The morning air in the capital felt heavier than usual. Even the palace guards moved slower, their eyes following every shadow in the corridors as though expecting it to strike.
Sebastian was already awake before sunrise. He stood near the tall windows of his assigned chamber, watching the sky fade from deep navy to pale gold. The previous night's council session had not gone the way James wanted—too many whispered doubts, too many eyes on Sebastian as if he were more a weapon than a man.
He heard the door open without a knock. Only one person in the palace ignored formalities like that.
"Still staring at nothing?" James's voice carried a lazy amusement, but his eyes were sharper than the tone suggested.
Sebastian didn't turn. "Some of us think before the day begins."
