"I accept His Majesty's decree," Finn replied, his voice steady as he reached out to receive the scroll. He unrolled it briefly, his eyes scanning its contents before rolling it back up. Only then did he rise smoothly to his feet, his posture straight and composed.
"Congratulations, Your Highness," one of the attendants said with a respectful bow, the others echoing the sentiment in softer voices.
With that, the king's messenger, along with the accompanying servants, withdrew from the king mother's courtyard. Their footsteps faded into the distance as they carried out their duty to deliver Finn's rewards to his newly assigned chambers.
Finn exhaled quietly. "I'll take my leave now," he said, turning toward the king's mother. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he offered her a polite bow....just enough to show respect, but not enough to hide his irreverent nature.
