The next day, Grim went into the palace to meet with the Empress.
As he walked the halls most people stepped aside instinctively, sensing the power that radiated from him despite his efforts to keep it contained.
Empress Alexia received him in a small sitting room. She sat behind an ornate desk covered with documents, her expression unreadable as he entered.
"Lord Ambrose," she said without looking up from her papers. "Chen Xing sent word that you required immediate audience. Something about urgent travel."
"Your Majesty," Grim replied with a respectful bow. "I need to travel to the Yanyu Dominion. The situation there affects imperial interests."
"The elven invasion," Alexia said, finally looking up. "Yes, we've received reports. Disturbing news, though I'm curious why you feel compelled to involve yourself in a foreign war."
"Lady Lianna Levenhart is imprisoned there," Grim said directly. "She was on a mission when the war began, and her situation has become complicated."
