The grand hallway leading to the imperial throne room took Lord Beris' breath away. Silently he gasped as they passed suits of armor, extensive, immaculate paintings, and furniture, all more valuable than anything his own kingdom had in their entire treasury. Beris looked again at the back of the servant, leading them to their meeting with the Emperor of Akkroa. The longtime neighbor of his home kingdom of Albus, and the most powerful nation of humans of the known continents. The empire had been in some turmoil as of late, however. The previous Emperor had died, leaving his only son to rule their vast territories. Several of the more powerful Consuls attempted to take advantage of the new Emperor's young age and steal the throne. The would-be usurpers were quickly and brutally put down as a result.

Beris' thoughts were interrupted as they halted before a pair of massive doors, hand-carved with depictions of various battles and gods of the empire. The servant who had guided him and his party motioned to the two royal praetorians who stood sentry, and they both moved in unison to open the way. The doors slid open surprisingly silent, and Beris stepped into the throne room.

The room was lit by enormous windows that allowed sunlight to beam in from all sides. This left the entirety of the place to be observed as it was intended, and correctly display the priceless works of art and architecture of the imperial nobility.

Beris strode forward, holding his head high and with a pleasant smile upon his face. He was not alone though, as his own servants trailed behind him, carrying boxes of gifts and treasures for the Emperor. He followed a long plush carpet up to an elevated throne, upon which the Emperor sat. He was young, Beris knew, but seeing him now, that fact found it's way to reality in his mind. He looked no older than seventeen and was relatively thin for someone of such high birth. He wore no cloak on his shoulders or crown on his head, just a fine tunic, velvet trousers, and leather boots. The only real show of his status was a golden sash he wore as a belt around his waist. As Beris came closer, one of the Emperor's praetorian guards raised his hand, indicating he should halt. Beris did so and fell to one knee, bowing his head as low as he possibly could.

"Your majesty," Beris said, bringing his head up again. "I am humbled to be in your presence. The Kingdom of Albus sends its finest wishes, and I present you with these gifts, though nothing compared to what his majesty already possesses, it is a gesture of our friendship and the lasting bond between our two nations. Our King, Demos, himself has also written you a personal letter." Beris reached his hand into his cloak and brought forth a tied scroll, bearing the royal seal of their King. "It is my highest honor to present this to you." Holding the scroll out with both of his arms, Beris bowed his head again.

Silence ensued, as the Emperor studied the middle-aged noble. Emotion clear from his face until he suddenly scowled and stood from his throne.

"You come before me," The Emperor said, his voice was young but rasped with an edge. "Bestowing gifts and speaking words of praise as though you are not treacherous dogs."

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Beris flinched upon hearing the sudden hostile words from the Emperor. He looked up again, confusion written on his face. "Your… Majesty, I'm afraid I don't understand." He said

"I sent word to your King, Demos, demanding to know why, a longtime ally and friend of my father, would betray his successor and only son by siding with Consul Vetro in his attempt to steal the throne." The Emperor pointed a finger at Beris, his eyes blazing with rage. "The Consul had much support within the Senate, but it was the aid of your kingdom that brought him so close to achieving his goal."

Beris was stunned at the accusation. The very notion that King Demos would even consider supporting anyone other than the rightful heir to the throne was absolutely preposterous.

"Your Majesty, I must humbly and respectfully assure you that our King has never supported anyone other than yourself for succession. He and your late father were very close friends." Beris' voice quaked with nervousness. "I believe this could be the result of some misinformation or treachery by those who wish to see our favor diminished."

"No," The Emperor said, fury still in his voice. "I asked your King to explain himself, and what did he send me? An ignorant buffoon, with gifts and trinkets for someone whom he must presume to be a child." The Emperor looked then to the sealed scroll, still held within Beris' hands. "The letter." He said, taking a deep breath and extending his own hand.

One of his praetorian guards stepped forward and took the letter from the confused and terrified diplomat. He gave it to the Emperor, who opened it hastily and began to scan its contents. After what seemed an eternity to Beris, the Emperor balled up the scroll and threw it to his feet.

"I am, for the moment." The young man said, "going to assume you are truly ignorant to the schemes of your King and offer you a chance to walk out of this room with your life. Your honesty will determine you and your servants' fates."

Upon hearing the words, Beris' heart sank, and he began to sweat profusely. He stared at the Emperor, unsure of even what to say. Instead of opening his mouth, he just nodded erratically.

"Was an imperial envoy sent to your Kingdom on the eve of my father's death?" The Emperor asked, clasping his hands behind his back.

Beris nodded, remembering there were several that came on behalf of the imperial Akkroian senate. "Yes," He said, his voice cracking. "Several, in fact. They came on behalf of your own senate, I was told it was to discuss the current treaties and trade agreements between our two nations."

"And, who exactly, within the senate, did they represent?" The Emperor narrowed his eyes dangerously. Giving Beris the distinct feeling that his next words could mean his life.

"I…" He said, his mouth now feeling dry and swollen. Beris swallowed hard and steeled himself. "Senators Braxin, Varous, and Delonion." He wheezed at the words, fear for his life now at the fore of his thoughts.

More silence ensued, and the Emperor analyzed him with curious eyes. After several breathless moments, he finally said. "I see." and turned to sit back on his throne. "Thank you for your honesty, Lord?" The Emperor asked, unsure of his name.

"Lord Beris," He said, "royal emissary."

"Lord Beris," The Emperor said the name and a scowl returned to his face. "Return to your kingdom, and tell your King that as of this moment, our treaties are nullified, our agreements are forfeit, and that he is to submit the Kingdom of Albus to imperial rule. He has two weeks." He held out two fingers for emphasis. "For that is when I will mobilize my legions, and send them into your territory."