Capítulo 96: Power is fickle

Silence settled in the chamber, an almost touchable thing between father and son, broken only by the crackling of the torches lining the walls and the soft, wavering flicker of candlelight. 

Shadows fluttered over the cold stone floors, stretching out like ghosts from another time as Aric watched Xavier, the emperor's gaze distant, weighed down by something deeper, older than either of them.

After a long pause, Xavier finally spoke, his voice low, almost contemplative. 

"Most would think to be emperor is to hold absolute power, to command with a single word, to bend many kingdoms to one's will, to do as one wishes without consequence." He paused, a slight frown tracing his features, the faintest shadow of doubt flickering behind his eyes. "To some extent, perhaps, it is."

He glanced at Aric, his eyes sharp, assessing.