Third Person
Morning stretched over the palace walls. Servants who had visited the guest wing came out whispering words that they dared not speak loudly to the hearing of the nobles that passed around. But every rumor had a way of spreading and reaching the right ears, even when concealed.
King Aldric had retired to his quarters late into the night, and Kebel wasn't sleeping. He barely slept these days. A guard administered the drug even in the absence of the king, and though it would sometimes make him dizzy, he still couldn't have moments of peaceful sleep, as nightmares would yank his body back to the reality he was trying hard to escape from. When Aldric walked in, Kebel didn't spare him a glance; he just turned to the side and closed his eyes.
"How was your day?" Aldric asked in a cheerful tone.
Kebel knew that tone too well. It was always there when something was going in his favor, and this made him fear for his son. Rain was the only target on Aldric's list of nuisances.
