Moments passed
The wardrobe held a ceremonial robe in deep navy, trimmed at the collar and cuffs with silver thread.
King put it on, checked the fit, and decided it was adequate. The castle staff had done their job well the food they'd brought earlier was good, the room was clean, and no one had disturbed him beyond necessity.
He opened his interface and pulled up Eli's chat.
[King: Are you clear?]
He set the interface to the side and finished adjusting the robe. A few minutes passed before the reply came.
[Eli: Clear. On my way into the city now.]
King sent his live location pin and closed the chat. He looked at the guantlet, considered it against the ceremonial robe, and unequipped it. Tonight wasn't a fighting occasion. Not openly, anyway, for that, he maintained the ring of power.
He followed a castle attendant through the corridors toward the feast hall.
---
The hall was built for exactly this kind of occasion.
