"Your Imperial Highness!" A voice echoed through the corridor, accompanied by hurried footsteps racing toward the room.
Zayden, who had finally managed to put Eiran to sleep after hours of patience, immediately rose to his feet. Careful not to wake the child, he quietly stepped away from the bed and made his way to the door.
The moment he opened it, a deep frown settled on his face.
"What is wrong with you?" he scolded, keeping his voice as low as possible. "Can't you keep your composure? Must you shout outside a sleeping child's room?"
"I-I apologize, Your Imperial Highness, but…" the knight stammered, his gaze darting nervously between Zayden and the floor.
"But?" Zayden raised an eyebrow. Something about the knight's behaviour triggered his curiousity. "What happened? Did monsters attack the capital?"
A trace of concern slipped into his voice despite himself.
The knight quickly shook his head.
"No, Your Imperial Highness," he bit his lips, finally letting their eyes meet.
