Caius sat on his high throne while the lords sat in a semi-circle below him. Thomas stood by his left-hand side and Maximus stood behind him. Both had swords tucked into their belts.
He could feel the tension in the air, and clear displeasure filled the gazes of the lords. He knew the reason for that, but he truly didn't care about their feelings. What he cared about was this meeting.
He would have preferred that the meeting didn't take place and that he could decline the offer, but his hands might actually be tied in this situation.
The lords were bound to see this as a good thing, but all he could think about was that the conniving old man was plotting something again. An archaic man like him should have died a long time ago.
"Your Majesty," Rylen said with a low bow. They met eyes briefly before he turned towards the lords. "My lords, thank you all for making the journey on such quick notice."
