Years ago…
Bells tolled from the palace cathedral, and the people already knew what those bells signified. It was time for the king to decide on his sentence. The people gathered on the palace grounds, waiting for the announcement of the Grand Duke. This courtyard was just outside the long hallway leading to the king's throne chamber. If someone wanted to hear what happened, this was the first place the news would hit.
Inside the throne chamber, soldiers ran around as much as the servants did. None of them knew how much of their futures were secured in the palace. The staff were on edge as if their families were the ones on trial. It was the truth for the ones who served the palace the longest.
