The King did not raise his voice.
That was what unsettled the room most.
The hall had emptied little by little after Cassian had gone out—envoys murmuring, advisors clustering, Stella remaining perfectly still until dismissed. When the doors finally closed, sealing only the King and his inner council inside, there was no eruption. He didn't lose his temper.
Only a long, thoughtful silence.
"Move him," the King said at last.
The order was simple. Almost gentle.
"Remove the boy from the void cell. He has served his purpose there."
One of the councilors hesitated.
"Your Majesty," the Chirurgeon whispered, "the void-rock has already begun the process of evaporation. If we do not stabilize the Damper immediately, the Prince's resonance will shatter."
"Indeed," the King replied, his eyes narrowing. "Transfer him. Not back to the Academy. Move him to the South-Facing Annex."
The Captain of the Guard stiffened. "That is within the Prince's personal space, Sire. The closeness—"
