The palace never truly slept.I learned that quickly.
Even after leaving the balcony with Azarus, even after the warmth of the bond settled into something calmer, the empire continued moving around us like an endless heartbeat.
Servants passed quietly through corridors.
Royal guards rotated formations.
Messenger currents shimmered across the palace walls carrying silent reports between commanders.
Oceania was alive.And somehow… I was beginning to feel connected to every part of it.
Not fully or consciously but enough that I noticed things I hadn't before.
The water pressure changed subtly whenever Azarus walked beside me.
Citizens lowered their heads not only out of respect…but relief.
Their emperor's presence made them feel safe.
I glanced at him as we moved through a long coral hallway illuminated by floating pearl lamps.
He looked the same as always; composed
unreadable and untouchable.
