"I'm so glad you saved Mother, my son. I knew it. You couldn't be so heartless, watch me suffer like this." The Empress held Crown Prince Maximus tightly, her voice thick with relief.
"I know you couldn't commit such a heinous act," Maximus replied. "Even if you dislike the Princess, you wouldn't stoop to such depths."
"Indeed, I didn't," the Empress insisted. "This woman tries to pin such vile accusations on me, but I would never. I barely knew the previous Empress. I was brought here after the Emperor conquered my land, a possession for this empire."
"Mother, I will investigate this thoroughly. You needn't fret," Maximus assured her as the maid guided the Empress back to her chamber. Turning, he found Tribal Princess Sylvia standing there, arms crossed, watching him intently.
"What is it, Princess? Why are you here?" Maximus inquired.