THREE DAYS LATER
ZAVIER
Three days, that was all it took for the palace to stop pretending this was temporary. Three days for whispers to turn into announcements, for servants to stop guessing and start bowing differently, for corridors to feel… heavier. Not hostile, but expectant which was worse.
"I CAN FEEL THE DRAMA." Riko whispered loudly as we walked.
"You are the drama." Ben replied.
"I EMBODY CULTURE."Riko said.
"You embody noise."I said.
"I ACCEPT."Riko nodded.
The royal court was already gathered when we entered, not casually, not politely. They were arranged, watching, waiting. Rows of nobles, advisors, officials, all dressed like this was already history in the making, and for once no one was talking over each other. They were quiet, too quiet.
"I do not like silence." I muttered.
"You shouldn't." Adam said beside me.
"It means they are thinking."I said.
"That is dangerous."Adam said.
"It is."I nodded.
"I ACCEPT THINKING ENEMIES." Riko nodded.
