Julian folded his hands behind his head. "Prepare my finest attire. Let's see what the Apollo is up to."
Eliz gave a small smile. "Understood, my lord."
Julian stretched his limbs slowly, the laziness of sleep fading as he prepared for the day ahead.
"First things first—the trade negotiations," he said with a decisive tone. "Let's go, Eliz."
He moved toward the door, opened it, and walked out into the corridor.
Eliz followed closely behind, her footsteps soft but steady.
Julian glanced around the grand hallways, then asked, "Is the Duke Hans himself here today?"
She shook her head gently. "Not the Duke, my lord. But his wife, the Duchess of Hans, is present."
A slow smile curved Julian's lips. "Oh, that's interesting."
They continued walking through the corridors, the silence of the morning lingering in the air. Soon, they reached a guarded chamber where two soldiers stood alert. At Julian's approach, they bowed low and opened the heavy doors.
