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They both entered the portal and emerged in one of the many hallways in the main palace. They walked in silence as Aiden,reading the room knew this wasn't the time for jokes.
The palace hallway stretched forward in quiet grandeur, lit by hanging chandeliers that cast a steady golden glow. Murals lined the walls, telling fragments of the kingdom's history as the they moved past them. Guards stood on either side of the hall, bowing in respectful unison as they passed.
At the far end, two guards; imposing than the others stood before tall doors, unmoving and watchful. Beyond those doors lay the throne room, waiting.
The guards bowed deeply as they walked by and the king barely acknowledged them. Aiden gave them a brief nod in his stead as they entered the throne room.
The throne room opened into a vast chamber of overwhelming scale and splendor. Towering pillars rose to a vaulted ceiling where light poured down through high arches, reflecting off polished stone and gold-trimmed surfaces.
Massive chandeliers hung above, their glow bathing the room in a regal warmth.
Murals and banners lined the walls, symbols of conquest, legacy, and divine right, while the floor spread wide and immaculate, leading the eye forward.
At the far end, elevated upon a broad dais, stood the throne. Carved in resplendent white and gold, imposing, unquestionable in its authority.
The king ascended the steps, picking up the golden crown on the armrest and sat upon the throne. Casually placing it on his head.
Adrian stood before him quietly observing his father as he waited for what was to come.
"Thomas?". Altáir called out calmly. And the instance the words left his mouth a grey haired man in pristine butler uniform appeared beside Aiden.
"Welcome back my Liege. You summoned me". He said calmly. With a deep bow.
Thomas was the head butler and was known by those worth mentioning as the King's second in command. An old monster that hides behind a serene smile to be exact.
"For the love of everything Holy. Why don't you use the door like a normal person old man Tom". Aiden remarked begrudgingly.
"It's nice to see you too young Lord. Congratulations on your advancement".Thomas replied with a smile. Deftly ignoring Aiden's attempt to teasing him.
"Tsk. Annoying old man". He muttered more to himself but it didn't escape the ears of the two powerful beings.
"Haaa...Thomas prepare the war room. He said with a sigh as he leaned into his throne. Head on his enclosed fist. A bored look on his face.
Thomas was stunned. He had been following Altáir since he was a teenager and the war room hadn't been used in more than a decade. This clearly meant something serious; something big was happening.
"I'll fill you in soon enough. Just get it done. Summon them,they should be here at dawn. A homecoming is in order don't you think". He intoned. A smile flashing across his features for a brief second before it vanished.
"Oh and tell Lucia to prepare the dinning room. Haven't had a good meal in quite a while". He added calmly.
Noticing the smile a warm smile broke out on the old butler's face. "As you command". He said bowing deeply. Then he disappeared in a blur of black.
Silence was restored in the throne room for a while. Till it was broken by the resident prince.
"Well someone's in a good mood. Missed your friends that much huh". Adrian remarked. A sly smile on his face as he glanced at his father.
"Don't know what you're talking about. And I don't have...Friends". Altáir replied. Getting up from his throne, he walked down the steps and walked passed his son.
"Don't ignore me old man. Admit it. You aren't as cold-blooded as you seem. It's kinda cute actually". Adrian teased.Trying to stop himself from falling over in laughter.
But he was ignored as the White-haired man walked out of the room.
Now left alone Adrian muttured to himself."Homecoming huh....time to prepare. Fun times ahead". He said with a childish grin on his face. As he made his way towards the exit.