Royal Castle — King Adwin's Chambers
King Adwin stood motionless before the full-length mirror, golden-plated armor gleaming coldly under the torchlight. In his open palm rested a delicate necklace: a single emerald leaf pendant etched with flowing ancient Elvish script.
He stared at it for a long moment.
"Hah…"
A tired breath escaped him.
Without another word, he dropped the necklace back into the velvet-lined drawer and slammed it shut. His reflection stared back hard, unyielding, the face of a man.
He reached for the sword at his side, sheathed it with a metallic *click*, and strode out.
The heavy door swung open.
*Thud*
"Your Majesty."
The Army General bowed down the instant Adwin appeared.
He didn't slow down and continued to walk forward.
"Rise. Walk with me."
They moved through the echoing marble corridor, boots ringing in perfect unison.
"Is the army ready ?" Adwin asked, voice flat.
