Chapter 289: Wedding Date
The grand hall of the imperial palace was as imposing as ever, its towering marble columns stretching high into the vaulted ceiling, adorned with intricate gold filigree. It was a place meant to inspire awe, to remind those who stood within of the power of the empire.
But Annora felt nothing but contempt.
She sat beside Cassian, her hands resting delicately on her lap, her expression composed. The weight of the engagement ring on her finger felt heavier than it should, but she endured it. This was all part of her plan.
At the head of the hall, the Emperor sat on his ornate throne, his expression unreadable, but his annoyance barely veiled beneath the surface. He did not like being pressured, and today was no exception.
Dimitri, standing across from them, wore an ever-present polite smile, and his dull amber eyes focused on Annora. By now, he was a puppet. Annora’s puppet. He was here to do her bidding, to push along the wedding date.
Annora was getting restless. She needed things to go according to plan.
"I must say," the Emperor’s voice was measured, though irritation laced every word. "You are quite persistent, Archmage."
Dimitri bowed his head slightly, his smile never wavering. "I apologise, Your Majesty. It is not my intention to rush the imperial family. However, as you know, I have pressing matters to attend to. I will not be in the capital for long. It would put my heart at ease to witness my dear friend Annora’s wedding before I depart."
His words were carefully chosen.
Annora forced herself to maintain a demure expression, despite the rage simmering beneath her skin. She remembered being respectful to this Emperor, but what was the point? Like father like son, they only knew how to use and throw people.