Chapter 37 The Emperor's Favor

• The throne room was colder than I expected.
• Marble pillars rose into shadow, and the Emperor sat at the far end on a throne of black iron and pale stone. He was older than I imagined, his beard silver, his eyes sharp beneath heavy brows. He wore no crown, only a simple band of gold around his wrist, but his presence filled the room like a physical weight.
• Kaelen walked beside me, his crutch clicking against the floor. Prince Aldric had wanted to come, but the guards had stopped him at the door. Only the winner and one companion were allowed inside.