One Word

Ardent Pitt casually strolled through the palace hallways, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

Everything had gone according to schedule, and for the first time in weeks, the seemingly endless pile of work on his desk had finally been whittled down. 

He muttered to himself, "Maybe I should consider letting Julius out for a while... since his workload is nearly done." A smug snort escaped him, his thoughts filled with satisfaction as he approached Julius' office.

But as he neared the office door, his smile faded. Ardent spotted Sherly, the assistant he had assigned to keep an eye on Julius, standing outside. His heart lurched, and he rushed forward, concerns taking over his calm demeanor.

"What's going on, Sherly?" Ardent asked frantically, his voice quickening with suspicion. "Why are you out here? Has the prince escaped again?"

Sherly, calm as ever, shook his head. "No, my lord. His Highness requested some private time."