The empress's private quarters were a sanctuary of luxury, a world removed from the tension simmering in the throne room. Rich drapes in deep reds and golds lined the walls, and the air was heavy with the sweet scent of incense.
Empress Uhleksis sat elegantly on her plush sofa, exuding the air of a woman who had seen and survived countless power struggles. Across from her, Lord Cedric and Lord Leo lounged comfortably, still savoring the chaos that had erupted in the court earlier that day.
Lucian, the empress's son, sat nearby, swirling a goblet of wine, the dark liquid mirroring his mood. His expression was a mix of amusement and disbelief, his eyes glinting with the same cold satisfaction that played on his mother's lips. They were united by a single thought: Prince Izan's downfall was more than just a scandal, it was an opportunity.
