The council wing was quieter than the rest of the castle. By the time Lexi, Rhaegar, and Rowan reached the upper corridor, most of the day's meetings had concluded. Clerks carried the last bundles of correspondence toward the records office while a pair of advisors emerged from another chamber still debating trade routes with the determination of men who seemed prepared to continue the discussion over dinner.
Nimbus wandered after them until one of the palace guards crouched to scratch beneath his jaw. "You stay here," the guard said, patting a broad cushion against the wall. "You'll be more comfortable." The young dragon looked to Lexi for confirmation. She smiled and gave him a small shrug. "I'll be back." After a long pause that suggested careful consideration rather than reluctance, N
