Burden Of Duties

RION POV

I sat at the head of the council table, my expression composed, though my mind wandered far from the endless droning of my council.

My eyes were far from the detailed maps and documents spread across the grand oak table before me.

Instead, they danced toward the tall windows where the midday sun poured into the chamber.

I imagined how the same sunlight might be streaming through the windows of the guest chambers, illuminating Seraphina’s face as she settled into her new surroundings.

The thought brought an unbidden warmth to my heart, though I quickly pushed it aside, maintaining my usual demeanor—calm, and attentive—but beneath this facade, a growing impatience gnawed at me.

The table before me was cluttered with reports, detailing the movements of enemy forces along the eastern border.

"Your Highness," I heard a voice addressing me directly, the voice cutti