*Rhys*

I shuffled through the parchments sprawled across the grand oak table, each one bearing news of skirmishes, trade disruptions, and diplomatic entreaties. The council chamber was still, save for the occasional cough or groan and low murmurs of advisors deliberating over Axureon's arrival.

But I was distracted by vivid images of Saoirse that danced at the edge of my thoughts.

"Your Highness," Elder Markus's voice cut through the fog in my mind, "what is your ...