"Right," Julian whispered, a strange, breathless laugh escaping his lips as he took a slow step backward toward the exit. He held up his hands in a defensive gesture, his pride completely shattered but his mind finally understanding the true depth of the cage he was in. "Right. Four hours. My mistake. I'll... I'll check the registry next time."
"A logical decision, Prince Julian," Elara said, her hand reaching out to smoothly close the heavy oak door. "Return to your coordinate. The audience is concluded."
With a soft, definitive *click*, the lock slid back into place, leaving Julian alone in the cold, dark hallway, staring at the blank wood with wide, completely stunned eyes. Inside the room, Elara turned back toward the warm lamplight, entirely unconcerned with his shock, as Ken and Mahir stepped forward to pull her back into the shadows.
