章 83: Debate of the Senate.

The Imperial City of Valeria.

The Sacred building—the Imperial Court of the Senate.

The Senate Hall was vast and grand, its stone pillars lined with torches that flickered softly, causing dancing darks across the room.

Men of power were gathered here, their expressions guarded, their postures tense. At the center of it all, seated on a high throne of gold and velvet, was Emperor Xavier Valerian, his face unreadable as he listened to the proceedings before him.

The Speaker stood in the middle of the room, his voice the only sound that broke the quiet.

"We all know why we are here," he began, his tone calm but firm. "Word has come from Byzeth that the Fourth Prince shall make his return to the capital soon… and we must decide how to approach this event."

A murmur rippled through the assembly, and then a man rose swiftly from his seat, his face twisted with disdain.