As the king turned to leave, a man stepped forward from the side of the hall. He had been standing there all along, unnoticed, his posture straight and his expression unreadable. "While His Majesty is away," he said, his voice calm but firm, "all matters of the palace will pass through me."
His gaze moved across the room, sharp and assessing. "I am Lord Cassian, Regent of the palace until the king returns."
"No one moves without permission. The palace will remain under strict order," he added, his voice steady and loud enough for everyone to hear.
After that, he dismissed them, and the hall slowly broke apart as everyone began returning to their quarters. Just as Rosalind turned to leave, the Regent's voice stopped her."You," he said.
Rosalind paused. "You've been granted freedom. Do not mistake that for carelessness," he said, his tone cold and sharp.
Rosalind gave a slight bow, meeting his narrowed gaze briefly before she continued on her way.
****
