We passed through a massive gate that resembled the palace gate, leading to a remarkably beautiful place. The green grass filled the area, and flowers appeared in every spot. Additionally, there was a crystal-clear river, and birds flew abundantly above us. If the empire had committed a sin alongside its wars, hiding this place would be at the top of their list.

The soldiers stood in rows on either side of the place, a massive row of soldiers followed by dense trees that concealed the view in between. It seemed they were protecting the place from animals.

Following that, there were beautiful white seats, perfectly arranged like Laverna's hierarchical system. In front of them was an elevated stage with two large seats, and behind them were seats where every prince and their mother sat.

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The crown prince sat next to the emperor, and to the left of the crown prince was a small seat for his mother. It was also intriguing that his mother did not bear any other sons. On the right of the emperor, Achil sat with his mother and some of his brothers.

I felt as though I saw a smile on Achil's face as we entered, but it was too far away to be certain. The women of the empire looked disapprovingly at every foreign concubine and her attire. We appeared like slaves in their eyes, and indeed, we were.

Laverna grew weary of it all and whispered to me, "Why do they look at us like this? We aren't any worse off than them! If I were to live in such humiliation in Raveena, I would burn my kingdom before Aron burns it." She continued angrily while the blood drained from my face, fearful that someone would overhear her words. "Do they know what happens to a man who betrays his wife in Raveena? Do they know? Do they know?"

Our talk was cut short by the voice of a man.