Empress Sarina stood at the towering gates of the elven capital, with her knights standing behind her. The elves stationed above the walls remained silent, gazing down without opening the gates for their empress.
The Empress's voice rang out.
"My honourable people, I am Empress Sarina! By what reason have you forsaken me?"
The elf on guard stepped forward and shouted. "Empress, it pains me to say that a messenger arrived here and informed us that you deign to assassinate the emperor."
She sneered as she realised they had been too late. The concubine and her family made their moves before she could bring back the tears of Aristella. Now even the palace is in danger.
"Who has announced such folly?" One knight beside Sarina bellowed.
"I am afraid I cannot ascertain your claim, Empress, for the imperial concubine was the one who informed us with the emperor's seal upon his words."