The morning assembly began at nine o'clock.
From her guest room, she could hear the distant sounds of horns announcing the opening of court, the measured footsteps of officials crossing polished hallways, and the low, continuous murmur of ministers discussing taxes, borders, and laws as if the fate of kingdoms were woven from words.
At ten o'clock, a palace guard arrived at her door and bowed.
"Lady Kiara, His Majesty requests your presence in the royal court."
Kiara rose immediately and followed the soldier through the palace. Zion wasn't there with her, as per etiquette. He came here as a bodyguard, after all. Even if she says he is like her younger brother, he can't come with her, which might imply that she doesn't trust the royal court and someone might try to assassinate her, or something...
