The grand hall thrummed with quiet energy. Victor Dalmont stood at parade rest near the hearth, his scarred face lit by firelight as he murmured to Lucien and Isolde.
Across the room, Sylvaine Mercer pored over geomancy charts with a team of Duke Marveil's engineers, her petite frame nearly swallowed by the oversized table.
Alric Voss held court near the wine service, his merchant's charm working overtime on a cluster of wide-eyed guild representatives.
All conversation ceased when Kael entered.
Felix Dorne stepped forward first, his reinforced boots clicking against the polished obsidian floor.
"My lord. During your absence, we've welcomed five thousand new citizens. Bryndis now houses eighty thousand souls."
Kael took his seat at the head of the table, Alice and Astra assuming their positions behind him like living statues. "Adjustments?"
