A sharp knock echoed against the doors of the study.
Arthur looked up from the spread of documents before him—ledgers, proposed trade treaties, and several handwritten notes detailing ongoing tax collection reports from the southern region.
The door opened with a creak. Ken stepped in, armor clinking lightly with each stride. "Your Majesty," he said, bowing with a clenched fist across his chest, "the envoy from Chronos has arrived in Eldoria. He should be at the castle gates within the hour."
Arthur set his quill down and leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.
"Lucien Vale," he murmured.
"Yes, sire," Ken confirmed. "Accompanied by four knights. The guards at the southern gate let them through without delay, as instructed."
Arthur nodded. "Good. Let them feel welcome—but not comfortable."
He rose from the chair and walked over to the tall windows that overlooked Castle's inner courtyard. From here, he could see the last preparations being made.
