Damian dried himself before changing into a fresh set of robes, after which William led him toward his private study. If he intended to govern this realm properly, then he first needed to understand it. Otherwise, he would have no choice but to leave its administration in the hands of others.
Naturally, that was the last thing he wanted.
The study was quieter than the rest of the Violet Palace. Towering bookshelves stretched from polished marble floors to vaulted ceilings painted with constellations Damian had never seen before. Ancient tomes, rolled maps and leather bound ledgers filled every shelf, while a massive window overlooked the endless capital below. Warm violet light poured through the stained glass, illuminating the enormous oak desk positioned at the center of the room.
Damian leaned back in his chair with one leg crossed over the other, absentmindedly spinning a feather pen between his fingers as he stared at the mountain of books William had ordered brought in.
