Morning arrived quietly. For once, the palace felt calmer than expected. Atheline knew this was nothing but a temporary peace.
He had learned to appreciate those moments since they never lasted.
He was currently seated on one of the palace terraces overlooking the Court below. The city stretched further down beneath the pale morning sun, its countless buildings and bridges catching the light like silver.
Across from him, Lilith was reading reports.
Again.
At this point, he was beginning to suspect she secretly enjoyed paperwork. This was the first time she had brought too much paperwork into their room though the current situation made it understandable.
A teapot rested between them.
The morning breeze carried the scent of flowering silverleaf trees from the royal gardens.
For several precious minutes, neither spoke.
Atheline was halfway through his second cup when the pressure in the room reduced and became slightly colder.
Lilith looked down immediately.
Atheline sighed.
