Eirik felt the weight of the day pressing down on him, as they neared his chambers. The calm that had settled over him earlier was fading, replaced by a sense of unease, of vulnerability. He could feel the eyes of the palace on him, the whispers of the servants and guards as they passed, and he wondered if they knew, if they could sense the darkness that still lingered within him.
Sadiki, who had been silent throughout their walk, suddenly spoke, his voice low and concerned. "Are you alright, My Prince?"
The corridors of the palace were quiet, the soft padding of Eirik's footsteps barely audible against the marble floors. The flickering torches cast dancing shadows on the walls, their golden light unable to fully penetrate the growing darkness within him. His thoughts churned, a tumultuous mix of past fears and present uncertainties, threatening to consume him whole.
Eirik stopped immediately he heard those questions, turning to look at his personal guard.
