Before the carriage reached the vast courtyard, Wren turned to Benjamin and said, "I plan to depart the palace shortly after the audience with the Imperial family. As I mentioned, I have long-standing family friends here in Amara. Their home is in the heart of the city. Their house is large, with plenty of rooms. Would you like to stay with me? It would give you the chance to explore Amara freely."
"He will do no such thing," Charles interrupted, not giving Benjamin a chance to respond. "He is exhausted. Further travel will do him no good. He needs rest, and a room has already been arranged for him in the palace. If he decides he wants to explore Amara, there will be a carriage and a guide at his disposal."
Benjamin merely nodded, well aware of the Emperor's orders. "Thank you for your kind invitation, Wren. I truly appreciate it," he said softly. "But as Charles mentioned, I am tired. I believe it's best if I stay here for now. We can make arrangements to meet afterwards."
