As soon as I entered the throne room, the tall golden doors behind me slammed shut immediately.
I was a little surprised, but I decided to put away my initial concern. I walked slowly down the red carpet, getting closer and closer to the imperial throne, which was at the end of the hall.
Up to this point I was quite sure of myself, as I expected to just say a quick hello and walk away. Maxie was still waiting for me outside the gate, so I didn't want to worry her too much.
I stopped a few feet away, still not looking up, and curtsied and said:
— Greetings, Your Majesty.
The reply was immediate.
— You are late.
I felt an electric shock at those words. It… It wasn't Philip's voice!
I looked up in shock to find that the crown prince wasn't on the imperial throne at all. It was the person I least expected to be here.
