The blare of trumpets shattered the stillness of the hall. From above, petals drifted down in a gentle cascade as the great doors groaned open.
King Midas emerged from the inner chambers.
He was cloaked in deep crimson. A crown of gold gleamed against his hair.
He walked with the measured strength of a man who bore both crown and realm upon his shoulders.
Two guards flanked him but they might as well have been shadows for every eye in the hall belonged to the sovereign alone as he advanced toward the dais.
Nobles, servants, officials alike bent in bows and curtsies.
Lucien inclined his head as well though he could not resist stealing a glance.
The king… looked different from what he had imagined.
Not in bearing. His dignity and the weight of his aura rivaled even Lucien's Sovereign Aura... but in appearance.
He walked tall and sharp-eyed with a neatly trimmed beard. His chin was lifted ever so slightly as though concealing the crown of his head.
Just then...
He saw it.
