The Man’s Decree – Chapter 6023

"Rania, return to your quarters," he said, soft in volume yet edged like steel. Even before the last syllable faded, Julian felt the command settle in the room like a weight; no one would mistake it for a request.

Rania shot Jared a worried look, the boy answered with the smallest nod. She then turned, skirts rustling in tight, unhappy circles, and retreated to her suite.

The side hall fell quiet once her footsteps faded.

Only Julian and Jared remained, a pot of cooling tea between them. Silence stretched, brittle and thin, ready to snap at a whisper.

Julian moved to the master chair and lowered himself with deliberate calm. He let his gaze rake over Jared, searching for cracks.