A Vision In Gold

Chapter - 161

A sharp knock at the door stirred Jacob from his sleep. The golden morning light streamed through the windows, illuminating the finely furnished chamber he had been given for his stay in the royal palace.

He groaned, rolling onto his back and blinking at the ornate ceiling—a mosaic of celestial patterns that seemed to shimmer faintly even in the dim light. The bed, absurdly plush and drowning in silk pillows, had felt like sleeping on a cloud the night before, but now it only amplified his reluctance to move. He dragged a hand over his face, the stubble on his jaw scratching his palm, and sat up slowly, the cool morning air prickling his bare chest. 

"Enter," he called hoarsely, his voice still thick with sleep.