Return

The heavy bronze doors of the throne room opened wide with ceremonial slowness as the herald stepped forward and announced.

"His Majesty, King Casimir of House Sol Aurelius has returned from captivity."

Every noble in the chamber turned. The air already tense with the weight of whispers and speculation suddenly snapped taut and silence blanketed the atmosphere.

Casimir stepped into the hall.

He had become thinner than they remembered. His shoulders were squared and stiff from the pain that clung to his every movement. A wound curved faintly beneath his collarbone, peeking from the opening of his tunic.

His eyes glowed amber unwaveringly as they met each lord and lady without flinching.