Side Story Chapter 28

After calling on the king at Drachium Castle, Riftan made his way to Anatol. The uncomfortable prickling persisted even as he arrived home.

He looked out the council room window over the bleak garden, his expression grave. Ruth was in the middle of reporting on the progress of the wall construction.

The mage flicked him a cautious glance and asked, "Was there some unfortunate news at Drachium?"

The question lurched Riftan out of his thoughts, and he jerked up his head.

Sighing, Ruth lowered a mountain of parchment onto the table. "I suppose those noblemen tried to provoke you again."

Riftan did not confirm nor deny the mage's assumption. He plucked up a sheet of parchment from the pile, but he could not seem to register any of the words. After rubbing his throbbing temples, he shot to his feet and walked out of the room.