The imperial guards rush us into the palace as quickly as they can.
My friends and I run to the Imperial Courtroom, where the Emperor is waiting for us. We burst into the room, and the doors shut quickly behind us. All of us kneel down in front of the throne until we hear the Emperor say it's okay for all of us to stand up.
We stand up together as we look at the Emperor with worried expressions on our faces.
"Please step forward, Nico and Quillen,"
the Emperor says calmly. His face betrays his voice as he looks visibly annoyed. My guess is he is annoyed at the Grand Duke for betraying him, which I can't blame him for. Having one of the major territories under you still turn on you behind your back isn't a happy feeling.
Quillen and I step forward as my friends stay standing in their positions nervously.
