Edward walked out of the Marquis's office. The heavy oak doors closed behind him with a solid thud. The courtyard air felt crisp and refreshing. It was so different from the stale, stuffy atmosphere inside. He paused under the portico, looking out across the courtyard.
Since his battle with his father and the Duke, the courtyard had gotten a complete rebuild. The stone tiles were new, fitted together perfectly. The training pillars were also new, their iron bands shining. You could see the faint, glowing lines of magical arrays etched into the stone dais in the center. It was pretty, but that wasn't the only point. It was about reminding everyone who saw it that strength was what mattered most.
And right in the middle of it all was Valerius.
