Caspian's POV
Fractured sunlight slipped through the carved windows of my manor, casting uneven shadows across my sandalwood desk.
I sat quietly beside it, the gentle light softening my typically harsh features.
An open brocade box rested before me. Inside lay a ring crafted from paper pith.
Time had taken its toll—the flower petals had turned yellow, almost colorless now.
Such a simple, worthless trinket, yet I couldn't tear my gaze away from it.
My feelings twisted into something complicated. Yearning mixed with grief, maybe regret.
Elias walked in to find me lost in thought again, staring at that same ring.
He let out a quiet sigh, approached carefully, and stopped several feet from my desk.
"Your Highness," he reported, "I've completed your orders. The item reached the duke's estate, and Duke Richard received his warning."
I didn't look up, my eyes still locked on the pith ring. I gestured dismissively. "Go."
Elias wavered. Something was on his mind, but he held back.
