Chapter 10: Searching for an Empress

*The Empire of Rotan. One year later*

"How much longer, Michael?" Albaric paced back and forth.

Michael's eyes twitched, "Does the Emperor know that I am not, in fact, a wizard?" 

Michael turned on his heels with a book in hand and with another began writing on a document in front of him. Albaric smiled sheepishly but remained hovering above the desk.

"I have been cooped up in this rotten tower for almost six months," Michael continued, annoyed, "Last I checked I was still a knight..." Michael muttered. He finished writing with a degree of annoyance that could be heard as heavy scratching against the page.

Albaric took the page eagerly as soon as Michael had finished writing.

"How do you think I feel?" Albaric said, holding up the page and giving it a scan.

"My good looks are wasted with only these damn knights to see it," Albaric added.