Northern Palace
Sol sat on a makeshift throne in the courtyard of the Northern Palace, his jaw resting against his palm and his eyes closed.
The entire residence was silent.
There were no servants to attend to the Prince of Pride, no officials waiting to receive his orders, and no guards standing watch over the courtyard. The only other person present was Leo, who had spent the better part of the morning walking back and forth across the stone pavement with a thoughtful expression.
Leo finally stopped pacing.
"Why exactly did you come here?" he asked. "You and I both know you're not interested in the Council of Princes."
Sol did not open his eyes.
"Morning Star," he replied.
Leo's expression changed.
Sol continued, his tone as casual as though he were discussing the weather. "I need to get my hands on that sealed artifact, and it must be soon."
Leo stared at him for several seconds.
"You're going to raid the Demon Lord's Treasury?"
"If I have to."
