Noah and the rest of the knights frowned when Eric revealed the purpose of the urgent council.
"Are you serious? Didn't we fail the attempt last time?" he asked.
The banquet at the temple yard had already concluded when a servant arrived with the message, instructing the knights to gather immediately in the meeting room. The urgency alone made it clear that this was no trivial summons.
Sensing something amiss, the bride and groom joined them, along with the ladies-in-waiting who insisted on attending—except for Meredith and Emily, who had excused themselves much earlier due to their condition.
Rachel did not come either, choosing to remain behind to attend to Ayden's family as a proper host, fully aware of the nature of knighthood duties. Elis was also not present, having been advised to stay in bed.
And as they entered the meeting room, what awaited them inside was even more startling.
The Grand Duke was already there.
And he looked… different.
