Chapter 89 The Weight Of Crowns

• The messenger's words had been precise, calculated to convey urgency without causing alarm among the festival guests. "Your Majesty, your father requests your immediate presence in the west council chamber."
• Gideon had maintained his composure, pressing that kiss to Bobby's temple while his mind raced through possibilities. Concerns that couldn't wait until morning rarely brought good news, and the formality of his father's summons suggested something far more serious than routine diplomatic friction.
• The walk through the palace corridors felt longer than usual, each step carrying him further from the celebration's warmth and deeper into whatever political storm awaited. Two guards flanked the council chamber doors, their expressions carefully neutral as they opened the heavy oak panels at his approach.