Chapter 63: Royal Estate
The pounding on Grim’s door came just after dawn, loud and insistent enough to wake even the other guests at the Inn. Grim was already awake, having spent the early morning hours in meditation as Yongrun had taught him.
"Lord Van Ambrose," a formal voice called through the wooden door. "By order of the Imperial Palace, your presence is requested immediately."
Grim opened the door to find three imperial guards in front of him. One guard was in all white armour and the other two were in black obsidian armour.
"What does the palace want with me at this hour?" Grim asked, making no effort to hide his irritation.
"We were not informed of the specifics, my lord," the senior guard replied. "Only that your presence is required and that the matter is urgent."
Grim considered refusing just to be difficult, but decided that antagonizing the imperial guards served no immediate purpose.
The journey to the palace was swift and silent. As they approached the eastern gates, Grim noted the heightened security. Additional guards stood at attention, they stared at Grim as he walked further into the palace.
Word of his encounter with Lord Terras had spread quickly, it seemed.
They led him through a series of cprridors until they reached a carved door with silver ingraved into it. The senior guard knocked once, then opened the door without waiting for a response.
"Lord Van Ambrose, as requested, Archmage," he announced before stepping aside to allow Grim to enter.
The room beyond was not one of the formal audience chambers but a more intimate study. Bookcases on all sides of the room. Morning light streamed through the celling where the only window was. His large desk covered in scrolls and tomes.