Seraphina stood in the heart of the imperial palace, her body cleansed of dirt but still adorned with the scars of war. The silken robes provided to her felt foreign against her skin, a stark contrast to the hardened armor she had worn for years. She had been given the illusion of comfort, yet she knew better than to believe it was anything but a new battlefield.
The imperial court was alive with murmurs as Evelyn Jin entered the grand hall. The empress moved with the confidence of one who had never been questioned, her golden robes flowing like liquid sunlight. The gathered ministers and nobles immediately fell silent, bowing low as she took her place upon the throne.
"Let us discuss the fate of our newest guest," Evelyn declared, her voice carrying authority that could not be ignored. Her gaze flickered toward Seraphina, who stood at the center of the court's attention.
One of the older ministers stepped forward. "Your Majesty, it is dangerous to keep a former enemy so close. The Zhou princess may no longer bear a title, but her influence remains."
Another noble added, "Perhaps an execution would be best. It would send a clear message to the remaining Zhou loyalists."
Evelyn smirked, her fingers tapping against the armrest of her throne. "Would you suggest I squander such a valuable mind?"
A murmur of uncertainty passed through the court. Seraphina remained silent, studying Evelyn's demeanor. The empress was testing her position, gauging the reactions of her subordinates.
Finally, Seraphina spoke. "You do not need to debate my worth. If you wish to kill me, then do so. If you wish to use me, then do so. But do not waste time pretending I am powerless."
A hush fell over the hall. Some of the nobles exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unaccustomed to such boldness from a prisoner. Evelyn, however, let out a soft chuckle. "You see? A mind sharper than most. Tell me, Seraphina, what would you do if you were in my position?"
Seraphina met her gaze without hesitation. "I would find a way to use my enemy's greatest asset against them."
Evelyn leaned forward, intrigued. "And how would you suggest I do that?"
Seraphina hesitated for only a moment before answering. "The Zhou court is fractured. If I were to return under your banner, many of their nobles would see it as weakness. Some would resist, but others may be swayed. A war is won not just on the battlefield but in the minds of men."
Evelyn smiled, as though she had been waiting for this very answer. "Then you shall prove your worth. Serve me, and you will live. Fail me, and I will not grant you the mercy of another choice."
Seraphina exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of yet another decision pressing upon her. This time, however, it was not just survival at stake—but the shape of the future itself.