Caelan returned to his chamber.
He sank onto the bed, pressing his hands to his face. He was exhausted, but sleep was the last thing he had on his mind right now. A sharp knock on the door soon jolted him out of his respite.
"Come in," he called.
The door opened, and Cedric, the steward, stepped inside. He hesitated only slightly, already bracing himself for Caelan's reaction.
"What's new, Cedric?" Caelan asked, lifting his gaze as he sensed his silence.
"Your Grace," Cedric began, already extending both hands with a small, elegant card. "The king has sent an invite."
Caelan sluggishly sat up. His eyes narrowed at the sealed card. His instinct was to dismiss it outright, yet the seal that was used on it was unmistakable. This was no ordinary correspondence. It bore the weight of authority and importance.
