On the last morning, we returned to wearing the heavy and tiresome attire of the women of the empire. The Crown Prince departed with his servants to carry the spoils, just like every prince did. Laverna mocked Achil's servants, saying, "I don't understand why he bothers himself to take these servants every day. At least he should ask them to hunt for him. No one would blame him."

We drank tea and missed Tait, who was not allowed to attend such occasions. Time passed, and all the princes presented their spoils. The Emperor and the court ladies frowned. The Crown Prince not only had the largest share of the spoils but also in just one day. The Emperor laughed in delight, of course, his fiercest and strongest son. He looked at the Empress with pride, and his eyes gleamed with mockery, as if he had no sons among those princes.

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It was a well-deserved victory, and Nero continued to gaze at Laverna with pride in his master. Nero's triumph was drowned out by the Emperor's booming voice, raising a toast to his beloved son's victory. Everyone celebrated, and Petra watched her husband with heavy pride and a sly smile on her face.