The heavy doors of the throne hall creak open as Caius steps forward, armor gleaming faintly in the filtered light of the stained glass. His boots echo against the stone floor until he halts before his Sovereign in the hall. Without hesitation, he lowers himself onto one knee, bowing his head deeply, one gauntleted hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

“My Sovereign,” he says, his voice steady yet reverent, “I return from the eastern border, where the patrols uncovered troubling signs. Raiders stir once more in the lowlands."

His eyes remain downcast, awaiting permission to rise.