Atlas returned to the palace in a visibly better mood with his siblings. Riley left soon after, saying she needed to see her son and promising to introduce little Michael to us later. Damien was more curious about Atlas's routines — he plopped into a chair and started grilling Gabe and Evan. "How many desks has he broken?" Damien asked. Evan groaned, "Too many to count." Damien laughed. "Some things never change."
Atlas just shrugged, but the light mood broke when the phone rang. Everyone tensed; the last time that line rang it brought a warning. Atlas clenched his jaw and put the call on speaker. "King Dimitri," said the voice on the line — a name that made faces around the room harden. Damien's smile vanished; he stared at the phone like it was an enemy.
