Inside Yerel's private study at the royal palace, the atmosphere was dead quiet. High arched windows overlooked the central courtyard, where the midday sun filtered through curtains.
Karson sat behind his desk near the corner of the study, his posture straight as he sorted through the correspondence that had accumulated throughout the morning. Down the grand corridor, Yerel, Philia, and King Alderon were finishing their formal private lunch. As Yerel's aide, Karson's duty was to remain in the study, keeping track of incoming messages and handling anything that required the Crown Prince's attention.
A crisp, sudden knock echoed against the heavy double doors.
Karson's posture instantly sharpened. "Enter," he called out firmly.
The door swung open smoothly, but it was not a royal servant or a messenger.
