Trace blinked.
"Audacity."
The single word was so pervasive that it shook the ground around them.
Though the effect was alarming at first, it was easily achieved by anyone in even moderate control of their dreams. It spoke little of the volume of the voice and more the consciousness of the dreamer.
His eyes narrowed. Something was a little off.
But what?
The Emperor did not turn, not even his head to look at them. The three humans stared for a moment, and Ben took half a step forward and bowed deeply.
"I am Prince Ben, emissary of King Harold. Though it may indeed seem audacious for me to speak, I must do so now, for the sake of humanity. We seek restoration of peace between my people and your eminence."
Another long stretch of silence felt like sinking beneath the waves of a vast sea, but Trace's eyes were trained on the hulking form in front of them.
