The meeting chamber was filled with the rustling of papers, the dull drone of debates, and the clinking of teacups as the ministers continued discussing strategies and logistics for the coming months.
But amid the usual bureaucratic grind, a yawn broke through the conversation—loud, prolonged, and oddly contagious.
"I beg your pardon. I didn't sleep well last night."
Muttered Minister Thorus as he blinked hard and rubbed his eyes.
"I feel the same. It's like a blanket of weariness has fallen on this place…"
Added another, stifling his own yawn.
One by one, murmurs of shared exhaustion spread around the grand table. Ministers slouched, blinked slower, and leaned into their hands.
The Crown Prince, initially focused on a scroll, slowly raised his eyes to observe the shift in atmosphere. His normally casual expression turned rigid.
Grand Duchess Amana noticed it too. She sat up straighter, brushing a lock of hair from her face as she scanned the room, brows furrowed.
