Chapter 199: The First Book
The Imperial Palace loomed before Grim as his carriage approached the main gates. The morning sun caught the white stone making it gleam like a beacon of imperial power.
Guards snapped to attention as his vehicle passed through the outer courtyard. Recognition that Grim was considered nobility now.
Chen Xing had arranged the meeting for mid-morning, allowing Grim time to prepare both his official report and his strategy for how much truth to reveal. The conversation with Caius had clarified much, but it had also highlighted the delicate balance he would need to maintain.
A palace official greeted him at the main entrance and escorted him through the corridors. Statues of previous emperors watched with marble eyes that seemed to judge all who passed.
"Her Imperial Majesty will receive you in the administrative audience chamber," the official informed him as they walked. "She has set aside a full hour for your report, which indicates the importance she places on your activities in the Southern Shores."
They reached a set of ornate doors guarded by two members of the Imperial Guard. After a brief glance, the doors opened. Empress Alexia sat behind an elegant desk, dressed in a deep blue dress.
"Lord Ambrose," she said as he entered, gesturing for him to take the chair across from her desk. "Welcome back to the capital. I trust your time in Port Velmira was delightful."
"Your Imperial Majesty," Grim replied with a respectful bow before taking his seat. "It was indeed educational, though perhaps not in the ways I initially expected."
"Yes, I’ve heard reports of unusual phenomena in that region," Alexia said.
"The phenomena were connected to supernatural forces that required intervention."
"Supernatural forces?" Alexia’s expression remained neutral, but Grim caught a flicker of interest in her eyes. "That’s not mentioned in any preliminary reports I’ve received."