By midday, Magnius the Mighty's entourage with Avarius finally arrived at the front courtyard of the vast Imperial Palace.
Magnius took Avarius and his two male servants to one room.
"Clean your bodies first," he said. "I will see the Emperor now and after that, I will send someone to fetch you."
"I will, my lord." Avarius bowed, as did his two male servants.
The tall, bulky, and muscular man then left the three in their room.
At that moment, the emperor was changing in her very luxurious and large room, she was assisted by two maids, while the other two maids stood to the left and right of Aira.
"We will have lunch together, Aira," said the emperor. "I hope you can understand how much I care for you."
"I prefer to eat alone," Aira replied flatly, no expression on her pale face. "You have no right to force me."
