The Imperial Throne Room was a place of sheer majesty, Black marble columns, streaked with veins of gold, towered toward the vaulted ceiling, where a beautiful mosaic of past conquests gleamed in the candlelight.
The floor was a polished expanse of obsidian, reflecting the banners that hung high above, each one bearing the emblem of House Bloodbane—two silver dragons intertwined, breathing fire into the sky against a black and crimson background.
At the center of this grand chamber, upon a raised polished dragonbone throne, sat Emperor Arkanos Bloodbane.
A golden crown rested upon his silver hair. His black and gold royal robes made him give off a presence that was both regal and commanding.
Beside him, seated upon a smaller golden throne, was his wife, Empress Illena.
Dressed in an elegant gown of midnight blue and gold. Behind her stood two women—his concubines, Saphira and Kaela.
