"Announcing the arrival of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Arkanos Bloodbane, and Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Illena Bloodbane!"
Every noble present lowered their heads.
A show of submission. Some did so out of genuine respect, others from sheer survival instinct.
All eyes shifted toward the grand staircase at the far end of the hall.
The towering double staircase, lined with crimson carpets and gilded railings, framed the perfect stage for the empire's most powerful figures.
From the top of the staircase, Emperor Arkanos and Empress Illena appeared.
Arkanos was dressed in a white and gold royal outfit, the fabric gleaming under the chandelier lights.
A golden crown rested on his head, glinting softly.
His posture was upright, his expression calm and intense.
His sharp emerald eyes swept over the hall like a predator surveying its territory.
