Ashen stood by the long table in his chamber, the soft glow of lamplight casting sharp shadows over his face.
His shoulders fell loosely around his shoulders, his robe tied carelessly at his waist. In his hand was a scroll, his eyes scanning the words with a quiet.
The doors to the chamber opened with a heavy thud, but he didn't look up for once.
"Stand up."
The command rang out, formally, as several armored men entered, their boots thudding against the stone floor.
They were the King's investigators, grim-faced and cold-eyed. Ashen is supposed to be a leader of the men but the fact that he was accused left him powerless.
Aria, who had been standing guard at the far wall, moved immediately to Ashen's side. Of course, she could tell when her master needed her so she appeared beside him already.
Ashen slowly lowered the scroll, his expression blank. "What is this about?" he asked calmly, his voice carrying across the chamber.
