The quiet intimacy of the Royal Suite quickly started to feel like the command center for a silent war. When we weren’t studying it, the Chronometer stayed sealed in a heavy, rune-etched box hidden beneath a loose floorboard in Torian’s dressing room. The risk of keeping such an artifact there was high, but the need for constant access was greater.
Once we’d slept and ate, Torian had changed into a soft, leather doublet. I traded the stunning, custom presentation gown for a simple cream colored dress with billowing sleeves that cinched at the wrists and a gold-embroidered, sky blue vest. With Morwyn’s help, I was learning the fashion trends of Aethelgard quite quickly.
“We begin by understanding the weapon,” Torian stated as he set the Chronometer on a low table. It was shielded by two
