"You finally decided to grace the palace this morning," Alexis said, his voice smooth, almost pleased. "That alone should make me grateful."
Ashen barely slowed his steps as he crossed the hall. The floor echoed beneath his boots, the sound sharp in the silence.
"If you had not summoned me, I would still be with my wife. So say what you called me for and say it quickly. I am not staying for long."
Alexis smiled faintly and gestured to one of the guards. The man stepped forward and unfurled a sealed scroll, holding it out with both hands.
Ashen did not take it and instead, he turned his head and looked at Alexis, one brow lifting slightly. The look said everything he refused to speak. What is this supposed to be?
"You should read it," Alexis said calmly. "You understand court language better than I do."
Ashen exhaled through his nose, irritation tightening his jaw. After a moment, he snatched the scroll from the guard and broke the seal.
