The Imperial City of Valeria.
The sacred heart of the empire—the Imperial Court of the Senate.
The Senate Hall was vast and grand, its towering stone pillars lined with torches that flickered softly, casting restless shadows across the chamber.
Men of power gathered here, their expressions guarded, their postures tense. At the center of it all, seated on a high throne of gold and velvet, was Emperor Xavier Valerian, his face unreadable as he listened to the proceedings.
The Speaker stood in the middle of the hall, his voice the only sound that broke the silence.
"We all know why we are here," he began, his tone calm but firm. "Word has come from Byzeth that the Fourth Prince shall make his return to the capital soon… and we must decide how to approach this event."
A murmur rippled through the assembly. Then a man rose sharply, his face twisted with disdain.
