As Alaric had expected, the moment word spread that he'd returned with a woman and a child, petitions poured in. Nobles, council members, even old allies—all eager to see for themselves who he had brought back.
He granted none of them an audience. For now, he wanted the palace quiet. He sat in the throne room, the weight of his crown heavier than usual, with only a handful of his most trusted men at his side.
"Tell them I'm still weary from the journey," he told his Gamma, Marco, his voice calm but edged with finality. "I will summon them when I'm ready."
The great doors creaked open, and Nira stepped inside. She bowed low, her voice steady as she reported, "Your Majesty, Lady Ayesha and Lady Lyra have been settled into their chambers in the East Palace."
