Chapter 8: Shop Upgrade Slot
Kingdom of Durenholde.
The Capital, Esta.
The royal castle of Esta stood proud against the evening sky, its limestone walls glowing amber in the setting sun. Banners of blue and gold snapped in the wind along the battlements.
Inside the great hall, candles illuminated a feast spread across polished oak. The royal family dined together, their silverware clinking.
Queen Lynnea watched her husband with growing concern. King Aldric barely touched his roast pheasant, instead pushing it around his plate with uncharacteristic distraction.
The deep lines around his eyes had deepened this past week.
"You've hardly eaten," she said, placing her hand over his.
Aldric forced a smile. "Just thinking."
"About matters you shouldn't bring to the dinner table," she countered gently.
Prince Cassius, their eldest, set down his goblet. "Father, if there's news we should know—"
"It's nothing," Aldric insisted, before raising his head from his plate. "Eat up,"