The vast courtyard outside the main courtroom was silent.
Not that it was usually loud. But there were always a few muffled voices of the ministers, walking down the yard's big garden, discussing the welfare of the people or the strategies to bring their enemies to their knees.
Now, there was nothing. Not even the wind dared whisper.
Ray could hear his own footsteps colliding against the wooden bridge as he crossed the nearly frozen pond.
Just ahead stood the grand courtroom doors, flanked by guards and vassals alike, all stiff, unmoving. Not a single breath was out of place.
As he approached, many nervous eyes turned to him. Then, as if on cue, they bowed and mouthed silently, "Knight Commander."
Even their greeting didn't carry a sound. That alone was enough to tell how bad His Grace's mood must be.
Then again, the letter that arrived this morning had shattered the fragile peace they'd fought so hard to maintain over the years.
