[Royal Palace, Capital City.]
[Lucien's POV.]
In the beautiful hallway, the sound of his boots echoed as Lucien walked toward the king's chamber.
The guards who once stood upright at every corner now shifted nervously as he passed, their eyes avoiding his.
With the king nearly dead, they knew he was practically their new king now.
They knew better than to look him in the eye now.
He stopped by the large window at the bend of the corridor and peered out.
Below him, the courtyard brimmed with life of soldiers.
His army had taken formation hours ago—tight ranks, polished armor, banners flying high.
Elite units lined both the central courtyard and the palace's outer gates.
Veterans of the campaign.
Generals that once kneeled before Aldirc now answered to him.
Knights that swore loyalty to the royal bloodline had quietly changed their allegiance.
Lucien watched them without emotion.
'Finally, they're mine.'
The border was vulnerable.
