"Lord Easterlin," Nickolas calls, his voice commanding attention as he swiftly moves to stand in front of me, effectively blocking me from Lord Easterlin's view.

"Your Majesty," Lord Easterlin responds, the color gradually returning to his face after having paled while staring at me. Shit! I close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. This is not good. Not good at all.

"What has brought you here?"

"I have urgent matters to discuss," Lord Easterlin says, tilting his head to the side, ...