Chapter 88: Job Offer?
Three days after his audience with the royal family, Inigo found himself once more walking the red-carpeted halls of the Royal Citadel. This time, he wore his usual attire—his armor lightly polished, pistols holstered, and the minigun strapped to a reinforced sling across his back. He wasn’t here for a ceremony. This was business.
Lyra walked beside him, bow in hand, dressed in her travel leathers. A faint glint of curiosity shone in her eyes.
"You really think they’re going to send us out again this soon?" she asked.
"I don’t think they ever stop sending people out," Inigo replied. "I just didn’t think we’d be the ones they’d pick next."
"Don’t sell yourself short. You’re practically a national treasure now."
He gave a wry smile. "A noisy one."
The pair stopped at the great doors leading into the audience chamber. Two palace knights opened them without a word, and the familiar warmth of sunlight pouring through stained glass greeted them.
This time, the court was much smaller. No nobles lined the walls. No formal choir or chimes echoed. It was only the king, seated on his throne, the queen beside him, and Princess Aeralyn standing at attention near the edge of the dais.
Guildmaster Thorne was already present, arms folded, his expression grim.
"Inigo Velasquez," King Eldrath III said, rising. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
Inigo bowed lightly. "Of course, Your Majesty."