“Please accept my sincerest apologies for intruding on such a sad day, but the Empire knows no rest,” Zariel said after greeting them politely, his bow even lower than usual. His typically curt tone had softened, and his eyes drooped slightly, as if he truly meant his words. Yet, the sentiment felt hollow, given that he was disturbing them when they hadn’t even changed out of their funeral clothes.
Raena had only just woken up and was barely stable enough to attend her mother’s funeral. Kassian was even given leave until Raena was better and Yulien was supposed to be preoccupied with His Eminence and the delegation anyway. What could have happened in less than a day to send the Emperor’s loyal hound barging into their home?
Kassian opened his mouth to tell Zariel to save his empty words,
