Chapter 94: The Eve of War
Banners embroidered with golden lions and longswords fluttered majestically from the palace turrets. Knights clad in deep blue tabards stood as motionless as statues at every key strategic point, guarding the palace of the supreme monarch of the Calais Empire. The capricious emperor, ever since declaring war on Assyria, had been hiding neurotically in his bedchamber, refusing to venture out, even abandoning his favorite pastime of nightly hide-and-seek.
The empire’s Minister of Finance, a former favorite and lover of the Empress Dowager, hurried along the corridor. Though past fifty, the man still had jet-black hair and a beard. He was robust, with a well-proportioned, agile physique. His loose, scarlet cashmere robe concealed his slightly portly belly, but from his still well-defined features, one could tell he must have been a handsome young man in his youth.
The minister traversed the complex corridor bridges and stopped before the emperor’s bedchamber door. The imperial guards sucked in their stomachs, puffed out their chests, and stamped their feet in salute.
For someone who had survived the reigns of two emperors from the François line, remaining securely in a high position, even becoming the Empress Dowager’s lover—and managing to safely emerge as a “former” one at that—no amount of respect was excessive.
“I must see His Majesty immediately,” the minister said in a low voice.
An officer went at once to announce him. Soon, the heavy doors groaned open. The Grand Chamberlain of the Emperor’s household stood behind the doors, his expression a mix of relief and embarrassment. “…My Lord, His Majesty is inside awaiting you.”
The Minister waved a hand, leaving his retinue outside. He strode into the bedchamber and performed a deep, formal bow. When he straightened up and saw the young man seated beside the emperor, a flicker of barely concealed dismay crossed his face.
“I beg Your Majesty to dismiss those present,” he said respectfully.
Viscount Julia’s expression twisted momentarily.