As I entered the grand throne room, the escort's voice echoed off the marble walls, sending a shiver down my spine. "Lady Riona Ashbourne has arrived." I curtsied deeply, my eyes fixed on the emperor's imposing figure, his gaze piercing through me like a dagger. "Greetings, Your Majesty, the sun of the empire. I'm delighted to have this honor."
The emperor's expression was stern, his eyes clouded with a mixture of sadness and resignation. But his voice was surprisingly warm, a gentle breeze on a summer's day. "Enough, be at ease, Lady Riona. Please, rise." I stood up, my heart racing with anticipation as if the very fate of the empire hung in the balance.
This moment was the one that would decide the future of Kieran and me. If the emperor refused to acknowledge my claims, I would have no choice but to reveal the harsh truth to Kieran. I didn't want to hurt him, but it was inevitable.
