The grand hallway outside the royal chamber was tense heavy with the weight of dread and too many unspoken thoughts.
King Velrick paced back and forth, his boots clicking against the polished marble. Servants stood stiffly along the walls maids, butlers, and the lady-in-waiting all trying to offer comfort in silence. But the king was far from calm.
"Your Majesty, please—breathe," said Robert, his most loyal advisor, stepping forward with a hand raised. "Panicking will only worsen the matter."
"Panicking?" the king snapped, spinning on him. "A prince from a powerful kingdom is dying inside my palace. If he dies here, do you know what that means for us?!"
Robert tried to keep his voice steady. "But, Your Majesty... he's the reincarnation of the Demon King. Surely, if he dies—"
"Enough." Velrick's tone dropped like steel. He turned, his eyes sharp. "He might be the reincarnation of a demon... but he's still a prince. A royal. Don't you ever disrespect a noble title again, Robert."
