The conversation with Sage Raph had only just begun to settle, when a guard stepped into the tent and bowed slightly, his expression carrying urgency. Behind him stood Tom, who wasted no time stepping forward once he was acknowledged.
"My lord," Tom said, addressing Lucas first out of habit before inclining his head respectfully to the others present. "We have just received word. The King of Blackmare is on his way to the encampment."
Lucas's gaze sharpened immediately. "On his way," he repeated. "Not a messenger. Not an envoy."
Tom shook his head. "No, my lord. He is coming personally. With a small escort."
That alone was enough to shift the tone of the entire room.
Sage Raph leaned back slightly, watching the exchange with quiet interest, while Lady Flora's expression tightened just a fraction. This was not expected. Not this soon.
Lucas straightened. "Then this cannot wait," he said.
He turned back to Raph briefly. "We will continue this later."
