As the massive iron gates of the unfamiliar castle swung open, Y/N found herself practically pulled inside, her hand still gripped tightly by Dohyun. Her heart raced, her gaze darting between the towering stone walls and the courtyard, teeming with guards and nobles who seemed to materialize from every corner at the sight of him. She watched, wide-eyed, as one by one, they all sank to their knees, heads bowed low in reverent silence.

The sheer magnitude of the moment sank into her—a wave of obedience and silent loyalty reverberating around her. Every man and woman, young and old, lowered their heads, their eyes cast down as if in the presence of someone almost god-like. She felt the weight of their respect for him, their undivided submission to his authority, in the way they stilled, their breaths held, their postures rigid.