Royle paced from the potted plant sitting next to a couch to the grand piano at the center of the room. His boots squeaked when he turned, pounding against the tiles before being muffled by the thick carpeting beneath the sitting area. He glanced at the massive clock next to the door, its golden pendulum swinging back and forth.
It was nearing noon. Any more waiting and he wouldn't be able to make it to the lunch meet he had with his men. When were they going to grant him permission to enter the throne room?
Royle resumed his impatient walk, churning the thoughts over in his head. He only had a vague idea of what he would say to the royal council, and he hoped it would solidify by the time he was allowed to grace their presence. Nisha was still a problem. There must be something they cou
