Arkanos and Arvel walked side by side through the grand halls of the imperial palace. The air was filled with the faint aroma of incense, and the soft click of their boots echoed off the polished marble floors.
Beautiful chandeliers hung overhead, their crystal facets catching the warm glow of torches lining the walls. Tapestries depicting battles and victories of past emperors lined the walls, their vibrant colors dulled by age but still commanding respect.
The hallway gradually sloped downward, giving way to simpler, sturdier architecture. The air grew cooler, and the faint rumble of activity from above faded into silence.
Two guards stood rigidly at the top of a wide stone staircase. Their polished breastplates gleamed under the torchlight, and their halberds stood at attention beside them. They straightened further as Arkanos approached.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," they said, bowing deeply.
