Aclaric, Eira, and two knights arrived at the grand palace. The sound of hooves echoed in the royal courtyard as they dismounted. Aclaric and Eira walked briskly to the entrance, where the royal guards stood at attention.
"Welcome, Sir Aclaric," one of the guards greeted with a respectful bow.
"Where is Emperor Ezekiel?" Aclaric asked.
"In his chamber, sir."
Aclaric turned to Eira. "Wait here," he said calmly, then urgently marched toward the Emperor's quarters.
Without knocking, Aclaric burst through the chamber doors and shouted, "You're the Emperor—and you're still sleeping!?"
Startled, Emperor Ezekiel jolted awake. "Who dares wake me like this?" He blinked and recognized his brother. "Aclaric!? What kind of behavior is that, shouting at your brother?"
Aclaric frowned, his expression grave. "We have something serious to discuss."
The Emperor sat upright, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Alright, what's going on?"
