Zalthor shut his eyes. The scales slowly began to disappear on his skin, his eyes returning to the book like something dangerous had not almost happened.
Not long after, there was another soft knock on the door. Zalthor said nothing. He turned the page as he continued reading.
Raymond entered calmly, his face looking slightly nervous as he tried to think about how he was going to frame his words to the king.
Zalthor's eyes remained on the book unflinchingly, like he was the only one in the room. His legs were still crossed.
"Your Majesty… it is—" He paused, then added. In fact, he did not know if he was acting like that out of fear that His Majesty might change his mind on the shoes, or maybe because of the news.
"I… it is about the queen."
Zalthor's hand, which was about to turn the page, paused midway as he looked at Raymond, his eyes sharp yet calm.
"What is it?" he asked.
Raymond bowed and then spoke.
