{Third Person}
The next morning, the Queen's palace was as composed as ever, its calm exterior giving nothing away.
That calm was broken the moment Alexander walked in. His presence alone shifted the atmosphere.
The servants who had been moving about slowed, their voices and their heads lowering instinctively as he passed. No one dared to stop him as he made his way straight into the receiving hall.
Lysandra was already seated. She had been informed of his arrival.
By the time he entered, she had composed herself, a teacup resting between her fingers as though this were nothing more than a routine visit.
"Your Highness," she acknowledged, her tone smooth. "What made you take such a long walk over to my place this early morning?"
Alexander did not return the pleasantry. "I'm here for the cat," he said.
He was direct and totally unbothered by formalities.
