Several women burst out laughing.
“It weighs nearly 220 pounds,” another replied. “And she probably weighs even more than that!”
“Then the prince will have to order another one,” a third woman added. “This one will be crushed completely!”
Laughter echoed throughout the hall.
Eleanor paused for a moment, but then she continued forward.
“Be careful!” someone shouted from behind her. “Those spikes might break under your weight!”
“I’m more worried about the floor,” another woman joked. “What if the entire thing collapses beneath her?”
Even some of the courtiers struggled to hide their smiles.
As one woman passed Eleanor, she looked her up and down with open contempt.
“Why did you even come here? Do you honestly believe the prince would choose you over all of us?”
Eleanor stopped and looked directly at her.
“I came here to complete the challenge,” she replied calmly. “I didn’t come to ask for your permission.”
For a few seconds, the room fell silent.
