The grand hall of the imperial palace was as imposing as ever, its towering marble columns stretching high into the vaulted ceiling, adorned with intricate gold filigree. It was a place meant to inspire awe, to remind those who stood within of the power of the empire.
But Annora felt nothing but contempt.
She sat beside Cassian, her hands resting delicately on her lap, her expression composed. The weight of the engagement ring on her finger felt heavier than it should, but she endured it. This was all part of her plan.
At the head of the hall, the Emperor sat on his ornate throne, his expression unreadable, but his annoyance barely veiled beneath the surface. He did not like being pressured, and today was no exception.
Dimitri, standing across from them, wore an ever-present polite smile, and his dull amber eyes focused on Annora. By now, he was a puppet. Annora's puppet. He was here to do her bidding, to push along the wedding date.
