They all individually inspected every painting in the hall one by one, their movements becoming increasingly sluggish as the hours wore on. Each golden frame was scrutinized, each brushstroke analyzed for hidden meaning.
After what felt like an eternity of searching for every minuscule detail—examining backgrounds for unusual objects, studying the expressions of each royal family member, noting the furniture and decorations—they all finally finished and gathered in the center of the great hall to confer. The weight of disappointment hung in the air as they converged at one of the grand tables.
Kay dropped heavily onto the table and slumped his head down tiredly. The wooden creaked under his sudden weight as he ran his fingers through his disheveled hair. Aziel sat as ont the edge of the table as well, leaning backwards onto his hands, releasing a long, frustrated sigh that echoed in the vast space.
