After a few more courteous exchanges, Alaric and Lara took their leave, their footsteps fading into the marble corridors of the palace.
Left alone in the chamber, King Heimdal and Prince Dakota, also Grand Duke of Arches turned their conversation to the subject that weighed heavily on both their minds: the upcoming coronation of the new Emperor.
"Do you think it is the right time?" Heimdal asked.
"Why not?" Dakota replied, his tone carrying a wistful warmth. "The sooner he is crowned, the better. I am not getting any younger, and I would like to see him wear the imperial crown while I still draw breath." A faint smile touched his lips. "That boy has a gift for leadership. He's already surrounded himself with ministers of his own choosing — loyal, capable men."
Heimdal frowned slightly, the lines of worry deepening on his brow. "Northem has only just gone to war. The treasury is bled dry. We can scarcely afford a modest feast, let alone a coronation worthy of an emperor."
