Marius's breath hitched as his eyes met the emperor's gaze. It was sharp as a blade, piercing through his resolve and rendering him vulnerable. The power of that stare was undeniable, pinning Marius in place and stripping away the composure he had spent years mastering.
"Lord Marius," the emperor greeted, his voice calm but tinged with weariness. Despite the frailty in his tone, there was an undercurrent of authority that brooked no defiance. "You are earlier than I expected. Is there a problem?"
Marius stepped forward, each movement measured, his heart pounding in his chest. He halted a few feet from the ebony desk and bowed deeply, the gesture more of an apology than a formality. When he rose, his face was set in grim determination, though his hands trembled behind his back.
