Jia barely had time to read the heading before a quiet knock broke the silence. The sound startled her, and she instinctively hid the parchment under the tray just as the door creaked open and a guard stepped inside.
The guard was tall, his frame made broader by the polished armor that was etched with fine lines of gold. He halted at a respectful distance from her, but his presence still filled the room, heavy and uniquely imposing.
Ever since she arrived at the palace, Jia had learned quickly that the crest emblazoned across the guard's chestplate mattered more than most things here. She was already aware of the meaning behind each crest, but it was a serious sign of respect around here.
They were not just symbols; they were declarations of loyalty. Every servant or physician assigned personally to someone of importance wore one over their hearts.
