The Emperor departed in a calculated silence, leaving me to shoulder the burden of his chosen tale. He expected me to lie about last night's events at the hunting ground—that the princess was nearly abducted, only to be rescued in a bold, manufactured act of heroism. As if the mendacity of that story could wash away the stains of betrayal.
What a ridiculous proposition! Does he truly believe I care what gossip or falsehood the people choose to believe? Whether it is a lie or the unvarnished truth matters little; my destiny will not be dictated by idle tongues or scandalous rumors.
"So, what is your plan now?" Samael inquired as he sank down onto the bed beside me. His tone was deceptively calm, as though our brutal night were but an inconvenient delay in a larger design.
