The tension between them, already palpable, suddenly turned downright suffocating. The only sound that filled the room was the rhythmic ticking of the clock, blending with the soft, measured breaths escaping into the silence.
All three of them stared at something, something that pulled their thoughts far away. Truth be told, Reiner had never imagined things would escalate to this point. He had always known Etien had zero interest in politics, especially matters concerning the empire at large, let alone the capital. And yet, now, he looked entirely engrossed in the unfolding situation, as if the words he'd just heard carried the weight of an urgent report demanding his involvement.
Minutes dragged on, each one stretching the silence unbearably thin until, finally, the Duke let out a deep sigh that shattered the quiet.
"This is going too far if Duke Elias Mason is getting involved," he said, causing Reiner to furrow his brows in confusion.
