The royal summons arrived three days after Seria moved into the Valcrest estate.
Damien was reviewing intelligence reports in his study when the messenger appeared – not a standard royal courier, but an Imperial Guard in full ceremonial armor. The black and gold livery marked him as direct representative of Emperor Valdris himself, not merely King Harald of their kingdom.
That alone was significant. The Emperor rarely involved himself in individual kingdom affairs unless the situation threatened the broader Empire.
"Lord Damien Valcrest." The guard's voice was formal, precise. "His Imperial Majesty Emperor Valdris requests your presence at the Imperial Capital. You are to depart within three days."
Damien accepted the sealed scroll, noting the imperial crest pressed into red wax. "The nature of this summons?"
