"…Hmm? When did my room become a public street?"
A thunderous voice cut through the air, interrupting Robin mid-sentence with an edge sharp enough to split stone.
"…?!"
Robin sprang to his feet as the sound registered, his mind spinning.
All this time, he had assumed he was standing in Althera's personal office!
Althera, in contrast, remained composed, not a flicker of surprise in her expression.
"Barok, where have you been?" she asked plainly, though there was a subtle undertone of concern in her voice.
"You rarely emerge from your chamber."
"Your Majesty," the man replied with a courteous dip of his head, his tone laced with sarcasm, "your visits to this humble servant are just as infrequent."
He stepped forward with calm, deliberate strides, and as he entered the full glow of the candlelight, his features were laid bare.
"In truth," he continued, voice even and measured, "I've been exploring the Ghost Valley.
