An officer of the Royal Guard stepped forward, bowed with perfect discipline, then turned and spoke in a calm voice:
"Please proceed, my lords. His Majesty the King is awaiting you."
The procession began to move.
They walked together, without conversation, without truly looking at one another—only fleeting, passing glances.
The officer at the front walked with a rigid back, his breathing carefully measured.Inside his mind, words repeated without end:
Calm down… don't look… just walk…Just walk… just… calm down…Breathe… breathe…They're just… people… like you…Are they really people? Are you an idiot? This is all just nerves…Breathe… calm yourself…
Cold sweat ran down the back of his neck, despite the chill in the air.
The dukes entered the palace, then passed through its inner corridors, until they reached the grand hall.
Silence accompanied them, and their presence arrived before they did.
They entered the hall together.
In perfect unison, they knelt and performed the royal salute.
No one spoke.
The King said, in a single, short, decisive word:
"Stand up."
They stood at once.
The King spoke in a steady voice:
"I am aware that it may seem strange for you all to be summoned so suddenly. However, today's gathering is not for consultation or discussion, but to inform you of the convening of the Grand Royal Court."
He paused briefly, then continued:
"After meticulous investigations, a case of great danger and wide scope has been uncovered, and it will be formally adjudicated before the Royal Court. We request your full cooperation to ensure the proper course of proceedings, and to preserve the stability of the kingdom, until the court delivers its final judgment."
He added nothing.
No door was opened for questions.
The council was over.
The dukes began to withdraw quietly, each at his own pace, as though leaving a theater before the true curtain had risen.
They returned to the corridors.
In one of the side passages, Prince Leon was walking calmly when he saw Duke Drakonis approaching.
The same gaze…
Leon remembered the borders. The days when he had been the field commander, and Drakonis had been the mind that drew the map.
Leon stopped, measured and composed.
Leon (with a respectful salute):"Duke Drakonis, may your day be well. Have you concluded the meeting so quickly?"
Drakonis (slowing his steps; despite his overwhelming presence, his voice was steady and reassuring):"And to you, Your Highness. Yes. I found today's matters sufficient. The capital appears calm."
Leon (his eyes shining with unmistakable admiration, his tone grateful):"Before you depart… I simply wished to thank you for what you did at the borders. Your strategic vision there was truly remarkable."
Drakonis (smiling faintly, placing a hand on Leon's shoulder for a moment):"And my thanks to you as well, Leon. You were a field commander one could rely on. Until we meet again."
Leon (nodding with dignity):"Certainly. Safe travels."
They parted ways.
Leon continued down the corridor…his heart beating with an excitement he did not acknowledge.
The carriages departed one by one.
Nothing was announced.
Yet the capital felt that something immense had begun.
The guards finally exhaled in relief as the last carriage disappeared.
Gray looked up at the sky and murmured:
"Is it—"
He stopped, then said quietly:
"Tomorrow… the court."
**One Week Earlier
The King of Savina returned to his palace without any ceremonial reception.
The palace entered a state of unspoken alert.
An immediate order was issued to convene the Supreme Council of the Kingdom.
The Supreme Council Meeting in Savina
Attendees:
The King of Savina
The Supreme Commander of the Army
The Minister of International Relations
The Minister of the Treasury
The First Royal Advisor
The King began in a calm yet decisive voice:
"Based on our extensive spy network, I have obtained critical information. And from what I have seen, I believe this is the golden opportunity to strike the Kingdom of Orvalis."
Silence fell, sharp and focused.
The King continued:
"The royal court there is under extreme tension, and our agents report that summons have been sent to the sixteen families to gather in the capital."
He paused briefly, then said:
"I want you to prepare. We will await the final reports from our spies."