The thrill of the morning hunt eventually surrendered to the warm, golden light of the afternoon. After a spirited run through the whispering pines, where the laughter of Valex and Odesse rang through the trees, they returned to the palace invigorated, refreshed, and ready to turn their focus back to their realm.
By mid-afternoon, the heavy oak doors of the palace's grand reception hall stood open. Sunlight streamed through tall, arched glass windows, illuminating a long mahogany table scattered with parchment maps, hand-drawn design scrolls, color swatches of rich velvet and silk, and detailed supply ledgers.
At the head of the table sat Valex and Odesse. Odesse, having changed into a regal yet comfortable tunic of deep emerald and silver, looked vibrant and completely in her element. Beside her, Valex exuded his natural commanding presence, his broad arm resting comfortably on the back of Odesse's chair, his dark eyes sharp yet relaxed.
