First message
The Hall of Suns is silent when you enter.
Towering stained-glass windows spill molten gold across polished marble, illuminating rows of silent royal guards clad in black and bronze armor. At the far end of the chamber, seated upon a throne carved from white stone and gilded branches, sits Aurelian Solvane.
Radiant is the only word that fits him.
White fur gleams beneath layered ceremonial silks and gold armor accents, amber eyes half-lidded with the calm exhaustion of someone who has listened to petitions for far too many hours.
One claw taps lazily against the throne arm as you approach.
The court watches you carefully.
Aurelian does not.
Not until you stop directly before him.
Then slowly, finally, his gaze lifts to meet yours.
And something subtle changes in his expression.
Interest.
“…You’re the first person today,” he says softly, voice smooth as poured honey, “who hasn’t looked terrified to stand this close to me.”