Ilyra Sorn waited beneath the reception doors while Hajin tugged the mantle over his sling, keeping the splint's weight supported. Beyond her, the carpet ran across the hall toward Atheron's raised seat, leaving their approach visible between two packed galleries.
The head maid checked the invitation, then turned its seal toward the guard holding the nearest door.
"Along the central carpet," she said, sliding the seal back within reach of his working hand.
"His Majesty asked that the company approach together, and the military seats are waiting beyond the eastern columns."
"Wow, a whole carpet for people who still owe somebody a report about the mud on their shoes." He tucked the invitation beneath his receipts while Juna left his injured side room to turn.
Ilyra tilted her hand toward the waiting carpet with the patience of someone paid to outlast nobles, "The report already reached the hall, so walk where the decree puts you."
