(Leonidas POV)
The Throne Room of the Astoria Imperial Family was designed to blind. Walls of gold leaf, floors of polished white marble, and windows positioned to catch the eternal glory of the sun.
Emperor Solanus de Astoria sat upon the Sun Throne. He was a massive man, his once-golden hair now a distinguished steel-grey, his sky-blue eyes hard and unforgiving. He radiated the absolute, crushing weight of the Empire.
Standing before him was Crown Prince Leonidas, head bowed in respect, glowing in his white-and-gold ceremonial armor.
"The Academy reports are promising, Leonidas," the Emperor boomed, his voice echoing. "Your influence on the Student Council has stabilized the noble factions. You are becoming the ruler I designed you to be."
"I live to serve the Empire, Father," Leonidas replied, his voice steady, though his shoulders were tight with the burden of perfection.
In the corner of the room, half-hidden by a golden pillar, sat a wheelchair.
