Total Destruction

"Your Majesty... your son is dead," one of the officials said, his voice trembling as he forced the words out.

His throat felt dry, and he gulped hard, his nerves betraying him as beads of sweat trickled down his temples.

Bowing slightly, the official kept his hands cupped respectfully before him, not daring to look the Emperor in the eyes.

Silence…

All the officials' hearts pounded against their ribcage as they all anxiously awaited a reaction, any reaction.

They all knew well the fury that could erupt from such devastating news, and the fear of being the target of that wrath made all of their hands tremble ever so slightly.

The Phoenix Emperor, seated upon his throne, leaned forward ever so slightly. His expression was unreadable.

"Dead, you say?" He muttered under his breath.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the official replied quickly, his head bowing lower. "The First Prince has fallen… His head was cleanly cut off…"