[Imperial Palace—Aftermath of the Storm]
Adrein sat slumped on the floor, crown tilted, robes disheveled, and dignity nowhere to be found. The throne room looked like it had hosted a war rather than a council meeting: broken vases, a shattered lamp, and a faintly smoking cushion in the corner.
Elise stood triumphantly, hair slightly messy but eyes blazing, arms crossed like a victorious general. Lucein leaned against the wall, smirking like the devil who knew everything, while Silas stood beside the emperor, sighing, "Your Majesty… you look like a beaten rug."
Adrein groaned. "Remind me… to pass a law banning angry wives from entering throne rooms."
Lucein snorted. "Remind me to pass a law banning cheating emperors."
"FOR THE LAST TIME—I DIDN'T CHEAT!" Adrein's voice cracked so loud that even the palace birds outside were startled.
Lucein crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Yeah, whatever you say. I'm still on Elise's side. Frankly, I'd believe a squirrel before I believe you."
