Adonis Malek's mansion in Altera sat above one of the older districts, stone terraces layered with gardens that had outlived several regimes. The windows were tall, the rooms cool even in summer. Adonis occupied the study overlooking the inner courtyard, seated at a polished desk that bore no clutter beyond a single tablet and a glass of water he hadn't touched.
Silver threaded his beard neatly now, more pronounced in daylight. He wore reading glasses perched low on his nose, posture relaxed in the way of a man who had nothing to prove and no need to hurry.
The notification chimed softly.
Adonis glanced down.
Diplomatic Incident Between Rohan and Saha Escalates
Consort Christopher Targeted in Public Setting
He read the title without expression and opened the report.
