Following the successful taming of Ravenna, a semblance of tranquility seemed to return to the imperial capital, devoid of any significant upheaval.
Yet, this very calmness alerted the astute elites to an underlying anomaly.
Outside Ephesande's palace, Anthicheg, Evora's gaze narrowed as she scrutinized the sealed gates before her.
Her beloved mother had not convened the morning council nor attended to any state affairs for a continuous half-month.
The empire's nobility had grown accustomed to this disarray, preferring the chaos marking the twilight of Ephesande's reign. An emperor who does nothing is deemed the best kind of ruler.
However, for Evora, poised to inherit divine authority, this situation hinted at something profoundly… abnormal.
