By the time Zarek was done, night had settled over the palace.
The halls were quiet now, and the earlier tension replaced with stillness.
Zarek stepped into his chambers. His eyes moved across the room.
The space had been kept clean as usual, but something was missing.
He frowned slightly.
"Where is she?" he asked.
The servants near the entrance immediately bowed.
"My King… the Queen retired earlier."
Zarek's gaze sharpened.
"Here?" he asked.
The servants hesitated briefly, then responed, "No, my King. She is in her own chamber."
"The one opposite yours."
Zarek's jaw tightened. Though the expression didn't change much, the air around him did.
"Leave," he said.
The servants bowed quickly and disappeared.
Zarek stood there for a moment longer, then he turned and walked toward the bathing room.
By the time he was done, it was almost midnight.
He changed into his robe, though his hair was still a little but damp. His expression still had not softened.
