Stahl's throne room was meant to be sealed shut in Henry's absence, yet at this moment, two groups of four stood at an impasse, their gazes locked in a deadly standoff. The flickering torches cast a dim light on their faces, revealing the clear animosity between them as their weapons glinted in the low light.
Marcus, the messenger of Aritreia, was a tall, imposing figure with golden hair that gleamed in the torchlight. His face was angular and sharp, with a thin nose and piercing blue eyes that seemed to take in everything around him. He wore a fur-trimmed cloak and a leather tunic, both of which looked expensive and well-crafted. Marcus held himself with an air of superiority, as if he was used to getting what he wanted.
"It's been a while, Zuna" – Marcus greeted with a disdainful sneer, looking down at Luak's representative. – "It seems like you are still as barbaric as ever. Did you forget to bring a decent change of clothes?"
