The Empress's words hung in the air like a blade. She did not raise her voice, yet every syllable carried an invisible force that pressed against the walls of the chamber. "That," she said slowly, "is why you are dangerous."
Lucas's breath caught once again. He had been accused of many things in his life...recklessness, arrogance, but never this. To be called dangerous by someone who ruled a kingdom and saw through souls was something else entirely.
He forced himself to meet the faint outline of her form through the silk curtain. "Dangerous… to whom, Your Majesty?"
"To the balance of things," she said without hesitation. "To fate itself. You carry knowledge not meant for this age. Power that does not belong here. And yet, you speak of alliances, of unity. Tell me, Xavier of Valerion....what is it that you seek in truth?"
