The empress paced frantically back and forth in her chambers, her silk robe fluttering behind her as her mind raced with desperation.
She had to find a way to save Lucian. Her plots against Elian were momentarily forgotten, replaced by the fierce, all-consuming need to protect her son. Lucian, my dear boy, how could you have been so foolish? She could not afford to lose him now. Not like this.
Her usually composed demeanor was shattered. What could she do? How could she shield him from the emperor's wrath, from Izan's relentless pursuit of justice? She had to act quickly.
She paused near her writing desk, her fingers trembling as she clutched the edge.
There has to be someone I can turn to...someone who can pull some strings. Perhaps Lord Leo could still help with this. But what if it's already too late? What if they've already made up their minds?
