When Maximus looked up and saw Gallahad and Ulysses entering the council chamber, a quiet sense of relief crossed his face. The room had been heavy with tension, but the sight of his most trusted men eased some of the weight pressing on his shoulders.
Gallahad moved first; behind him walked Ulysses, composed and unreadable as ever. His cold expression is always his signature; it never changed, except when he was around his family or Sienna-Rose. With her, he allowed himself a little more emotion, usually irritation, because no one else in the kingdom could so effortlessly get under his skin.
Duke Gallahad stopped a few paces before the king and bowed deeply. "Your Highness, King Maximus de Aethelgard, the Sun of Aethelgard."
"At ease, Duke," Maximus said, his voice calm but warm. He gestured for him to rise and take a seat beside Ronan, the duke's oldest, who sat straight-backed in silence. He's there as the general of the royal knights.
