Arik had expected the remainder of their visit to Agaron to be relatively peaceful.
That expectation lasted until the following morning.
He was sitting in one of the palace's smaller reception rooms with Liam and Severin when Damian arrived, accompanied by General Theron Aradia and a visibly suspicious Mezos.
The general wore his usual black military uniform with crimson detailing, every fastening perfectly aligned and his silver insignia polished to an almost offensive degree. His gray-streaked hair was cut short, his posture remained rigid, and his expression suggested that he had come to discuss something of considerable military importance.
Mezos, walking beside him in civilian clothing, looked as though he had been summoned to an unexpected disciplinary hearing.
Arik immediately became interested.
"Father."
Damian smiled.
It was a particularly bright smile.
Arik narrowed his eyes.
"What happened?"
