Straightening his robes, he began his way down the spiral stairs, his steps light. His attendants bowed as he passed, but he hardly noticed. There was a certain anticipation humming in his chest, the sort that only came when a familiar name returned after too much silence.
By the time he reached the receiving hall, musicians had already begun to play softly, and servants lined the marble floor with trays of fruit and honeyed pastries.
Jahan glanced toward the entrance, his smile deepening. "Let's not make him stand outside.." he said, voice carrying that effortless gentleness that made even orders sound like invitations. "Open the doors. Let my friend in."
The guards bowed and moved. Beyond them, the afternoon light spilled into the hall and with it, the man Jahan had not expected to see again so soon.
"Welcome, brother!"
Jahan's voice echoed across the courtyard. He came down the steps grinning, all warmth and noise, and pulled Min-jae into a quick hug.
