**Narrator:**
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the royal gardens, Queen Elenor and Prince Leo sat comfortably, enjoying the peaceful scene. The gentle rustling of the trees and the fading chirps of birds provided a perfect backdrop for their quiet evening.
**Prince Leo:** *his eyes bright with excitement as he pointed towards the approaching carriage* "Look, Mother! Hime has come back!"
**Queen Elenor:** *smiling softly, her gaze following her son's gesture*
"Yes, she's returned. Let's see how her day went."
**Narrator:**
The carriage came to a halt, and Sai stepped out first, his dark suit sharp and imposing, perfectly matching his raven-black hair. His golden eyes gleamed in the dimming sunlight. He turned and extended his hand to Princess Yumehime, who gracefully accepted.
Yumehime's silver hair, streaked with hints of green, shimmered as she stepped out. Her sparkling green eyes reflected the colors of the sunset, and the blue gown she wore accentuated her regal beauty. As she approached her mother and brother, her face flushed slightly from the excitement of the day.
**Queen Elenor:** *her voice kind, but with a hint of curiosity*
"So, Yumehime, how was your date?"
**Princess Yumehime:** *blushing, her tone soft but cheerful*
"It was great, Mother."
**Narrator:**
Just as Sai opened his mouth to speak, a knight strode forward with urgency, bowing deeply before them.
**Knight:** *his voice respectful but firm*
"Apologies for the interruption, but His Majesty wishes to see you, Sir Sai. I've been instructed to escort you."
**Sai:** *with a calm, reassuring smile*
"Very well."
**Narrator:**
Sai turned back to Yumehime, his golden eyes meeting hers with warmth.
**Sai:** *his voice sincere, with a slight bow*
"Rest well, Princess. Today was a wonderful day for me."
**Princess Yumehime:** *blushing slightly, her voice flustered*
"Yes, I enjoyed it as well. Thank you."
**Narrator:**
As the knight led Sai through the winding halls of the palace, he noticed the unfamiliar surroundings. These corridors were not the ones he was used to walking. The walls were adorned with older tapestries depicting long-forgotten battles and ceremonies, their colors faded with time.
**Sai:** *his voice low and curious*
"What is this place?"
**Knight:** *glancing back briefly*
"This is the meeting room, my lord. His Majesty uses it for important discussions with the four great dukes."
**Narrator:**
Sai's curiosity deepened, but he remained silent as they approached a large, ornately carved door. The knight knocked before opening it, and Sai stepped into the dimly lit room. The atmosphere was tense, illuminated only by a few scattered candles.
In the center of the room sat a large circular seat, meant for the King. Shadows flickered against the stone walls, casting an ominous glow.
The King sat alone in the grand seat, his eyes calm but watchful. As Sai entered, the knight announced his presence.
**Knight:**
"My lord, Sairen Aelith is here."
**King:** *nodding, his voice calm but authoritative*
"Come in, Sai. Sit at the front."
**Narrator:**
Sai's eyes darted across the room, scanning the strange setup. As he took a seat, the King's gaze drifted to the corner of the room, where shadows seemed to cling unnaturally.
**King:** *smiling faintly, his voice laced with a knowing tone*
"I see you brought company."
**Sai:** *slightly surprised, his brow furrowing*
"Company?"
**King:** *nodding toward the shadows*
"Your servant, Sai. She's quite skilled at hiding her presence, but she can't escape my notice."
**Narrator:**
From the shadows, a figure stepped forward. Hana, Sai's mysterious servant, appeared gracefully, her expression unreadable. The King's smile widened slightly, his gaze locking onto her for a brief moment before turning back to Sai.
**King:** *still watching her*
"She's formidable. No wonder you chose her."
**Sai:** *with a nod, his voice steady*
"Yes. She's more than capable."
**King:** *addressing Hana now*
"You may leave us. This is a private matter."
**Narrator:**
Hana's eyes flicked briefly to Sai, as if seeking his permission. With a simple nod from him, she stepped back into the shadows and vanished as swiftly as she had appeared. The King's gaze lingered on the spot where she disappeared before refocusing on Sai.
The room felt heavier now, the air thick with unspoken tension. The King leaned forward, his hands resting on the armrests of his grand seat.
**King:** *his voice low and deliberate*
"Now that we're alone, Sai, there are matters we need to discuss—important matters that concern the future of this kingdom, and your place within it."
**Narrator:**
Sai's golden eyes narrowed slightly, his interest piqued. He knew this was no ordinary meeting, and whatever the King was about to say would have far-reaching consequences.
As the King's voice filled the room once again, Sai steeled himself for the conversation ahead. There was no turning back now—the path laid before him was one of uncertainty, and every word exchanged in this room would shape the fate of the kingdom and his role within it.
And so, as the flames flickered in the dim light, casting long shadows on the stone walls, Sai sat in silence, preparing for the weight of the King's words. What unfolded in that room would determine not only his destiny but the fate of the kingdom itself.
**End of Chapter.**