Jude's brow furrowed with uncertainty. The emperor's request was unexpected, a stark departure from their strained history. Yet, beneath the veneer of distrust, Jude harbored a profound sense of paternal duty, a duty that transcended the boundaries of his captivity.
"Why should I trust you?" Jude's words carried a note of defiance, his gaze unwavering.
The emperor met Jude's scrutiny with a resolute gaze. "Because our fates are intertwined, Jude. The threat to Queen Sara and your child is a threat to our kingdom's stability. I seek your counsel, not out of desperation, but out of necessity."
Silence settled between them, pregnant with unspoken truths and unyielding resolve. Jude grappled with the implications of the emperor's request, his mind a tempest of conflicting emotions.
"I cannot promise my allegiance," Jude finally spoke, his voice measured. "But I will do what is necessary to protect my child and Queen Sara."
