Silence reigned over the imperial office following the princess's outburst. The Emperor took a slow sip from his goblet, measuring the capricious fire burning in his daughter's eyes.
"Enough, Seraphina," decreed the Emperor, setting the goblet down upon a jade table with a sharp clack. "You will not make rash decisions nor send your guards to commit foolish acts. The Imperial Tournament is a mere fifteen days away. If that boy is as extraordinary as he promises, the arena will take care of purging his enemies... or demonstrating the true limits of his potential."
Princess Seraphina clenched her fists, yet her father's icy glare tolerated no rebuttal. With a disdainful gesture, she spun on her heel and exited the room, her high heels clicking loudly against the marble floor.
Vorian let out a sigh, adjusting his robe.
"That girl will end up causing a disaster, Your Majesty," murmured Vorian, looking toward the door through which the princess had vanished.
