"Your Majesty!" Margrave Boris burst into the king's office, breathless. Sweat glistened on his temples as he came to an abrupt halt before King Valentin's massive oak desk, clasping his hands tightly before him.
The king barely glanced up. "Hm?"
In court, protocol dictated that a subordinate must wait for permission before speaking. But King Valentin was a man of few words—his silence spoke louder than any decree. The mere flick of his gaze toward Margrave Boris was all the approval needed.
"A large force has gathered at the gates," Boris said, his voice taut with urgency. "They claim to be sent by Emperor Kaan—to protect Eira."
King Valentin's eyes narrowed. "What nonsense is that?"
Emperor Kaan had departed from Eira years ago without explanation, leaving no word of his return. And there was no threat to warrant his so-called protection. The only disturbances in Eira came from Florian's occasional hunts—internal matters, nothing that required imperial intervention.
