The atmosphere shifted from tense anticipation to celebratory energy in an instant. Even the knights and maids standing along the walls allowed small smiles to break through their disciplined expressions.
The Duke stood tall, basking in the moment. Olivia smiled gracefully and nodded to the crowd, though her cheeks carried a faint flush that only a few might notice. Vanessa clapped along with the others, her smile wide and genuine as she looked at her mother with open admiration.
Liam, however, clapped mechanically. His expression remained composed, but his eyes never left Olivia. The cheers around him seemed to irritate rather than inspire him. Louisa noticed the tension in his jaw, and before he could create a scene, she leaned slightly toward him and whispered beneath the noise of the crowd.
"Control yourself," she hissed. "You are staring too openly."
