I was summoned without explanation.
That alone was enough to understand the nature of the meeting before I stepped into the chamber.
The doors opened as I approached, the guards moving aside without delay. Inside, the King was already seated, and the Crown Prince stood at his right. The arrangement was deliberate. Nothing in this room existed without intention.
"Your Majesty," I said with a low bow.
"Darius," the King replied. His tone was even, controlled. "You came quickly."
"I was summoned."
The King inclined his head slightly, accepting the answer without comment. A brief silence followed, measured rather than empty, allowing the weight of the setting to settle fully.
"I will not extend this unnecessarily," the King said. "You are aware of the position you now hold."
"I am."
"And you understand what comes with it."
"I do Your Majesty,"
