Magnus strode purposefully through the grand corridors of the imperial palace. His footsteps echoed off the gilded walls, a rhythm that mirrored the cadence of his thoughts.
In the midst of his internal turmoil, a figure emerged from a shadowed alcove. It was Lady Amelia. Her eyes held a knowing gleam as she approached the emperor, and her smile conveyed a subtle hint of intrigue.
"Your Imperial Majesty!" Lady Amelia greeted him.
Magnus halted, his brows furrowing imperceptibly as he regarded Lady Amelia. There was a certain air of significance about her presence, a sense that her words held a deeper meaning. "Lady Amelia," he responded with a nod, his tone neutral yet tinged with a flicker of wariness. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
Her lips curved into a gracious s
