Etien stood staring at the portal gates, now permanently sealed by the palace mages.
Hands on his hips, he let out a long, heavy sigh, eyes still locked onto the archway where the glow of the pentagram used to shimmer. Now it looked completely useless. Ugh, Glen didn't have to go full dramatic with a permanent shutdown, he could've just ordered a temporary seal to stop unauthorized use. But no, His Majesty, that conniving bastard, had to make it permanent. And of course, only the palace mages have the magic to reopen it.
"Why'd His Majesty kick us out of the palace in such a hurry?" Ophelia's voice jolted Etien from his thoughts. He turned and found her right behind him, standing still, also staring at the portal.
In response, he sighed again. "He says it's for our safety. But to me? It feels like a slap in the face."
"Why would you take it that way? Isn't it obvious he's worried about your wellbeing? Maybe this is the only way he knows how to protect a Duke he actually trusts."
