The towering city walls were still majestic, but against the lead-gray sky, they seemed somewhat pale and fragile.
The streets were deserted, every door and window tightly shut. Only the heavy footsteps of fully armed patrol squads echoed jarringly on the stone-paved roads, adding to the grim atmosphere.
A dead silence, the kind that precedes a storm, enveloped this jewel of the Royal Capital.
This oppression did not stem from the Fear of an army at the gates.
In fact, with Golden Ears City's strong defenses and still considerable inner-city garrison, they were not without the Power to fight.
The real pressure came from within, from that center of Power.
The Imperial Palace.
CRASH!
The crisp sound of shattering echoed through the empty and oppressive Throne Hall.
An exquisitely crafted silver teacup had been smashed to pieces on the floor, its warm tea splashing everywhere, much like Lucius's shattered state of mind.
