Time rewound to exactly eight o'clock in the morning. Warm sunlight poured through glass windows, falling upon rows of brown wooden benches. The towering arched ceiling hung with exquisitely crafted stained-glass chandeliers. Four sides consist of circularly arranged marble walls, with delicate stone rails shielding the central imperial throne. Milky-white stone steps spiraled upward, highlighting the sacred majesty and untouchable authority of the Empire's Emperor.
This was the Royal Council Hall, known as the heart of the Empire, and also the private cabinet belonging to Hibbort Valeria.
Yet today, the ever-diligent Emperor seemed to be late. The throne, shimmering with jade-like luster, stood high and imposing, but completely empty.
Lucas sat slightly forward among the seats below, draped in a luxurious velvet robe. His blue eyes gazed toward the distant throne, dark ripples swirling within his pupils.
