Julian offered a faint smile, though it was tinged with a subtle, bitter reproach. "We are already at the threshold of the grand hall, my queen. It seems you didn't notice, as your eyes were fixed upon him the entire way."
Evangeline's expression hardened for a fraction of a second before she expertly retrieved her icy mask. "Oh... very well. Let us enter."
The heavy doors groaned open, and they walked in hand-in-hand, the sound of their footsteps swallowed by the vastness of the hall. At the far end sat the Emperor upon his towering throne, his hawkish eyes scrutinizing Evangeline's every movement, measuring the degree of harmony between her and her husband. As she approached the dais, she slowly, deliberately released Julian's hand and bowed with deep, flawless reverence.
"My greetings, Your Majesty."
The Emperor offered a cold, imperious nod. "Step forward."
