The throne room of Tenebris was cloaked in silver light, rain whispering against the tall windows. General Kael Varyn stood at the base of the dais, armor still marked by the road.

Cyrus sat upon his throne — back straight, expression carved from calm steel.

"The northern trade routes are clear again, Your Majesty," Kael reported. "But the western lords are slow with their tithes. Varric claims his lands are starving."

Cyrus's gaze lifted, steady and unhurried. "Then send grain from the royal stores. Tenebris does not feed rebellion—but we do not let our own starve either."

Kael nodded, a flicker of respect crossing his face. "And if he still refuses your rule?"

"Then he answers to the crown, not to the people," Cyrus said, rising from his throne. "Mercy is strength, Kael. But mercy has limits."

The general bowed low. "As you command, my king."

Cyrus dismissed him with a nod, his voice soft but final. "See it done before the next moonrise."

When the heavy doors shut behind Kael, silence reclaimed the room. The rain had softened, turning to mist beyond the glass.

Cyrus exhaled slowly — the weight of his crown pressing invisible but constant. He turned toward his chambers, his boots echoing through the marble corridor.

When he entered his room, he paused.

There she was — the maid, Sadia, quiet and absorbed in her work, wiping the edge of his desk with careful precision. Stray strands of hair had escaped her braid. Her sleeves were rolled to her elbows, showing pale skin against the dark wood.

She had been acting weird lately. She forgets he duty and is really stressed from a few days.he can't understand the sudden change. She didn't notice him at first — not until he spoke softly.

"Didn't they tell you I'd return early?"

Her hands stilled instantly, and she straightened, looking scared like a thief being caught. His eyes narrowed, something is clearly wrong with Sadia.

"Did you prepare a bath for me?" He asked looking directly at her. She was supposed to remove his robe when he enters the room but she was standing still and fumbling with her fingers. She looked nervous... Almost scared. He took a step closer. "You are not focused, Are you hiding something from me? Or are you just being lazy?"

He took another step closer, she took a back and stumbled hiting her knee in the corner of the table. This woman, Clumsy as always He paused, concern took over his features but he quickly masked it with annoyance. "Watch where you go. I don't need unnecessary trouble in my palace."

He said with a tone that would sting. He noticed her favouring her left leg and sigh. "Sit down, I will fetch the royal Healer" he turned to Walk out but paused and said "and for God's shake stop being so Clumsy all the time."