The soft morning sunlight streams through the grand arched windows of my guest room in the royal palace, its warmth a stark contrast to the weight on my shoulders.
I sit up, the events of yesterday flooding back as I rub the sleep from my eyes. The new title of Viscount, the King's request for a united Glozaria, and the need to assemble a team for an enormous mission.
There is no time to waste.
I quickly dress in formal but practical attire befitting my new rank and make my way to the royal dining hall. A long table stretches nearly the length of the room, its surface gleaming with polished silverware and platters piled high with an assortment of food.
The air is thick with the fragrant smells of bread baking and spiced meats. King Grey occupies the head of the table, his commanding presence never fading. Zephyr, munching on pastries, sits beside him, while Quillen calmly sips tea.
But it isn't just the King and my friends who are there to greet me.
