Chapter 69 The King's Palace

• By 10 a.m., Edward and Muktar stood before the towering gates of the king’s palace. The walls, adorned with elaborate carvings of warriors and deities, loomed over them, a silent reminder of the kingdom’s rich but guarded history. As they stepped inside, Edward’s stomach twisted at the sight before him—rows of stern-faced elders seated in a semicircle, their flowing robes brushing the polished marble floor. He had expected an audience, but not like this. They had all gathered because of him.
• Before this moment, Edward had obeyed Muktar’s advice on getting gifts before appearing in front of the king and his cabinets. Though the King was a strict man of his words, gift was one way to come him.
• Edward advanced and knelt, presenting the traditional wine and kola nuts, along with foreign treasures—fine fabrics, fragrant spices, and trinkets gleaming under the palace torches. The elders exchanged glances, their hardened expressions softening. One by one, they accepted his offerings, fingers lingering on the fabrics, eyes gleaming with interest. A small victory.