The room stretched wide and spacious. High ceilings lost in shadow. Rich tapestries hung along the walls in deep crimson and gold thread. A massive four-poster bed dominated one side, its dark wood frame carved with intricate patterns.
Bookshelves lined another wall, leather-bound volumes organized with meticulous care.
The curtains hung open, allowing the night air to drift inside... cool and carrying the faint scent of garden flowers.
Moonlight spilled through tall windows, painting everything in silver-blue.
A man sat on a velvet plush sofa near the window. His posture was tired.
He leaned heavily against the armrest, elbow propped there, cheek resting against his palm. Dark circles shadowed his eyes. His other hand hung loose over the sofa's edge.
He stared at nothing in particular. Just watching the moonlight shift across the floor.
Then suddenly, the large, ornate door opened.
A woman stepped through, closing it behind her with a soft click.
