“Did you make all the necessary preparations Henry?” 

James asked as he sat in his usual seat in the meeting room. There was a large stack of papers on the king's desk as usual. People often asked James why he doesn't spend more time in the throne room. And the answer is quite simple. He is just way too busy with paperwork and since his throne has no desk he can't fill out paperwork efficiently.

“Yes, your majesty everything is prepared. We will be leaving for the summit tomorrow at dawn.” 

Henry said as he stood at the far side of the large table he stared at the map of the continent. 

“What about Eria? If both of us are away she will be vulnerable especially since some people feel threatened by the potential arrival of a court mage.” James pointed out. 

“Not to worry sir I have assigned the best guards in the palace. I assure you she is as protected as possible.” 

Henry assured him to which James nodded. 

“Alright, I'm trusting you, Henry. She is a guest at the palace we must make sure no harm befalls her” 

he said firmly to which Henry nodded and bowed his head 

“Of course, sir…” Henry said to which he began to question in his mind. 

‘Only a guest? Is it that hard to admit you like her?’ 

Henry asked slightly annoyed James can be too dense sometimes. 

‘Well, it's better than nothing. Lately, it seems his majesty is in a much better mood than usual. I don't know why he likes that woman so much but I'm glad he does. It's finally starting to look like he is slowly healing and overcoming the past... I'm just saddened that I can't do anything to help’ 

Henry said in his mind. As he continued to watch the king work. It is understandable James was so busy. The summit of kings usually brings in a lot of paperwork. Especially considering how fast the kingdom developed. It went from a half-destroyed kingdom and on its last leg. To a wealthy, powerful kingdom that rivaled that of an empire. That was all thanks to King James and his inner circle of allies. 

Henry was only one of 4 who makes up the king's inner circle but most of them have their duties away from the palace which means only Henry stays by James' side usually. Among those 4 was Marquess Henry who oversaw military matters as well as the palace security.

Duke Charles oversees the finances and treasury department. 

Count Richie reigns over high society and keeps the aristocratic nobles in check. 

There is one more person but this man holds no noble title. He is only known as the palace seer Kryeos.

Although these 4 men lead extraordinary lives they will drop everything immediately if the king summons them but so far that has only happened twice. After finishing his paperwork James stood up. 

“Henry, I want to see the healer before I leave for the summit.” 

He told him as he made his way out of the meeting room.

Henry nodded “yes your majesty, I will call for her,” he said then followed James out of the meeting room