Chapter 89: The Refugees
The Emperor’s frown deepened in displeasure as he observed the people kneeling in the great hall.
Empire ministers and Temple faction leaders hurried inside. They couldn’t hide their confusion.
That unsettling frown put everyone on edge. They all knew that the elites of the Cidatel Republic normally steered clear of the Emperor, but now, here they were, kneeling before him.
Both the Emperor and his ministers were visibly puzzled by the situation. Why had so many come to bow before foreign nobles within the empire’s walls?
“Where is Duke Andolf? Didn’t he come?”
Scanning the hall, the Emperor searched for a familiar face. The Duke, leader of the Cidatel Republic, was the only one who could speak to him on equal terms.
“Your Majesty. The Duke has stayed behind in the Republic. He claims he will meet his end there. We tried to dissuade him, but he remained obstinately resolute.”
An elderly man rose and bowed as he spoke. The Emperor recognized him immediately–Jayden Motabil, one of the Republic’s high elders. The Emperor’s eyes sharpened at the sight of him.
This was the very man who had once declared that money should never overshadow true power. Yet now, he knelt in submission.
Without command, everyone instinctively sank to their knees.
But what did he mean by “meeting his end”?