The palace corridor stretched ahead like a throat swallowing light. Alex walked beside Captain Aldric, his enhanced perception cataloging defensive wards built into the walls, guard positions at regular intervals, the subtle pressure of Master-rank essence signatures stationed throughout the complex.
"The King requested this meeting personally," Aldric said. His voice carried weight that suggested he'd repeated those words to himself several times. "No advisors. No witnesses. Just you and His Majesty."
Alex nodded. Words felt unnecessary. His tactical mind was already racing through scenarios, calculating responses, preparing for questions he couldn't answer honestly without triggering the marker.
They reached ornate doors carved from wood older than the kingdom itself. Two King's Guard stood at attention, their essence signatures burning with controlled intensity that marked decades of refinement.
"Student Ashford to see His Majesty," Aldric announced.
