The towering doors to the throne room groaned open, bathing the shadowed interior in a slice of blinding sunlight from the corridor beyond. Aria squinted against the glare, raising one hand to shield her eyes as booted footsteps echoed towards the dais.

"Your Majesties." The familiar, deferential tones of Marcus reached her before the PA's silhouette took shape in the doorway. "Pardon the intrusion, but there is an urgent matter requiring your council."

Ryker arched one imperious brow from where he lounged on his throne, features still limned in the dimness. "What matter could be so pressing that you would interrupt our morning audience unannounced?"

Though his words carried a...