"Well, this isn't what I expected," Leander murmured, hand resting on chin as his carriage pulled up to the palace of Eladoria.
He'd received word by raven en—route just as he sent his letter of notification of a visit that King Louis had passed away.
The journey to Eladoria had gone from smug expectation to subdued pity for Caspian.
The huge gates swung open and guards in black stood to attention as his carriage rolled in onto the wide pearl coloured cobblestoned road.
"I suppose I have to address him as his Majesty now," Leander scoffed under his breath, golden eyes scanning the somber atmosphere.
The place was the same but the atmosphere was entirely different. As was custom, all servants had been draped in mourning black.
He looked around at the black banners draping the palace walls, the quiet courtyards, and the heavy air of loss. The once-vibrant seat of power now felt draped in shadow.
