Chapter 126: A Foot in the Door
Julius waited for the Empress in the small chamber. He decided to stand despite the cushioned chairs available to him. He knew the Empress preferred her visitors slightly uncomfortable, and he would not give her the satisfaction of finding him seated when she arrived.
He adjusted the high collar of his robes, ensuring his house crest was available for everyone to see.
The door opened without announcement. The Empress entered, and Julius bowed.
"Lord Luminaris," the Empress acknowledged, gliding to the high-backed chair at the head of the stone table.
"Your Majesty," Julius straightened. "The demands of managing the eastern provinces have kept me occupied."
"Sit," the Empress commanded, gesturing to a chair positioned so the light from the window would shine directly into his eyes. "We are told you requested this audience with some urgency."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. I’ve received troubling news from the southern coast that I felt obligated to bring directly to your attention."
"How conscientious," the Empress remarked. "And what news from the south concerns you so deeply?"
"Word has reached me of Lord Ambrose’s unfortunate disappearance," Julius said, watching the Empress’s face carefully. "If true, this represents a significant disruption to security."
The Empress’s expression remained impassive. "Interesting that this word reached you before it reached the throne."
"A coincidence of timing, nothing more," Julius replied smoothly. "I maintain modest trade interests in Port Velmira. My representative there sent a bird immediately upon hearing rumors at the harbor."