When the Empress, Nyx, and Seraphine entered the council chamber, the King was already waiting. There were no guards, no ministers, no attendants. Only the King himself, standing before the central table, his hands clasped behind his back as he turned to meet them.
He gave a nod of acknowledgment, first to Nyx, then to Seraphine, and finally, with a touch of solemn respect, to the veiled figure of the Empress.
"You've all had a long journey," he said, his tone deep and measured. "But there are matters that cannot wait." Then he gestured to Seraphine and Nyx..."leave us for now."
Seraphine hesitated briefly, glancing at the Empress, but the latter gave a small nod. "Go," she said softly. "I will be fine."
Reluctantly, the two women bowed and withdrew, their footsteps fading into silence as the heavy doors shut behind them.
The King gestured toward a nearby seat. "Please, Your Majesty," he said with formal politeness. "Sit."
