He was jolted awake by someone pounding on his door. He croaked out a bid to enter, then cleared his throat and tried again.
A palace servant stepped inside and gave him a brief bow. "Master Omar, Their Majesties request your immediate presence at breakfast in their private dining room."
"Of course. I'll be there at once."
The servant departed, and Omar threw himself out of bed and into the first clothes he could find that were suitable for an audience with the king and queen.
Why did they want to see him? It must have to do with Astira, but how? Perhaps they wanted to know what she had said to him, though they were in for a disappointment if they thought he had anything of interest to relate.
Maybe he would get to see her again, however briefly. He would have liked a chance to bid her farewell and see for himself that she was being properly cared for.
Did they want him to protect her, after all?