Morning court had just begun.
The towering golden hall stood silent beneath the pale light of dawn filtering through high carved windows. Rows of officials dressed in dark ceremonial robes stood in perfect order beneath the dragon pillars.
The atmosphere was calm.
Routine.
Predictable.
—
At the center of the hall, the Emperor sat upon the dragon throne, his expression indifferent as ministers presented reports one after another.
Tax matters.
Border disputes.
Harvest records.
Nothing unusual.
Nothing alarming.
Yet somehow—
The air inside the hall felt heavy.
As though something unseen was waiting.
—
Then suddenly—
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside the court.
Every official frowned immediately.
The palace guards at the entrance stiffened.
Interrupting morning court without permission was a serious offense.
A young palace guard rushed inside and dropped heavily onto his knees.
His breathing uneven.
His face pale.
—
"Your Majesty!"
—
