The next morning, Adrian stood at the doors of the council chamber, preparing himself for the meeting ahead. The events of the previous night was still on his mind—Queen Alannah's honest revelations, her burden, and the brief moment of vulnerability she'd allowed him to see.
But now, there was work to be done. He pushed open the heavy wooden doors and entered.
The council room was grand, with high arched ceilings, stained glass windows casting colorful shadows across the long, polished table. Seated around it were the key members of Zarpha's ruling council, each dressed in robes denoting their rank and responsibilities.
At the head of the table sat Queen Alannah, back in her regal pose, a far cry from the carefree woman she had been just hours earlier.
Adrian took his place beside the queen, his position as special advisor already well-established among the council.
