The Emperor, his gaze fixed on the Empress, gave a cold nod. Two Imperial Knights moved from their positions at the door. "Bring the Empress's aide to the court," he commanded.
Minutes later, her Aide was led in, in confusion and concern. She knelt before the throne, her eyes finding the Empress', a look of silent inquiry passing between them.
The Emperor looked at her, his voice now a chilling echo. "The Empress claims you acted alone in a misguided attempt to gain favor. She has stated that you bribed these men to frame Lord Thomas. Is this true?"
The Aide's head snapped up. She stared at the Empress, the carefully constructed mask of loyalty on her face crumbling into a look of gut-wrenching betrayal.
She had thought she was important. She had thought she was a trusted confidant. But she was just a pawn, and she had just been sacrificed. She knew better than to argue, to embarrass the Empress in front of the entire court. This was the life she had chosen.
