Time/Date: TC1853.01.20 – Evening
Location: Imperial Palace, Throne Room (sealed)
The silence that followed was absolute.
Emperor Tianrong rose from his position before the throne—slow, controlled movement that somehow carried more impact than any sudden gesture could. His golden eyes fixed on Amara with laser focus, and she felt the full weight of imperial authority bearing down.
"Tri-bloodline?" His voice remained level, but something flickered in those ancient eyes. Hope. Calculation. Desperate possibility.
Amara nodded once, her hand still protective over her abdomen.
"You're pregnant," Kael breathed beside her, and the wonder in his voice would have been touching if the truth weren't so twisted. "You're... we're...?"
