It was night and Karium was in his mother's chamber with his mother, having a good chat with her for the first time in a while.
"I was really looking forward to your arrival, Karium," Empress Marozia said. "It's been more than a month since we last saw each other and... I know a lot of things happen during that."
Karium Maselli thought of what happened since his mother left and nodded. "That's right, Mother."
"Then what about the rumor circulating right now?" Empress Marozia asked. "You said you like Princess Yara Amiel but how did this rumor circulate? It even reaches Aslirith."
"I'm not sure for now," Karium replied. "I will tell you once I'm sure about it."
The Empress observed her son and said, "You talk like you have someone you suspect, son. Will you tell me who it is?"
Karium Maselli thought about it and forced a smile. "You know I have many enemies, Mother. It's not easy to know who is the one behind this."
