ERIS
I came to Soren's study that evening to discuss the day's progress, armed with notes about Cassius's testimony and theories about Vetra's new strategy.
My steps echoed through empty corridors as I approached his door, and I hated the nervous flutter in my chest, hated that I'd become someone who felt nervous about seeing him.
When had that happened? When had Soren Nivarre stopped being political ally and become… whatever this was?
I knocked. His voice called permission to enter, and I pushed open the door to find him at his desk, surrounded by maps and reports. He looked up as I entered, and something in my chest twisted.
He seemed distant. Distracted. His eyes met mine briefly before sliding away to focus on parchment in front of him, like maintaining eye contact required effort he couldn't spare.
"Your Majesty." He gestured to the chair across from his desk. "Come in. I was just reviewing reconstruction timelines."
