Sonder

02

Killian Obelia made his way to the emperor's palace. The grand structure loomed ahead, its spires reaching into the sky, a symbol of the empire's power and majesty. The guards at the entrance saluted him, and he was swiftly escorted to the emperor's private chambers.

The emperor, a tall, imposing figure with piercing blue eyes and an air of authority, was seated on a throne-like chair, surrounded by advisors and courtiers. As Killian entered, the emperor dismissed everyone with a wave of his hand.

"Your Majesty," Killian bowed deeply.

"Rise, Grand Duke," the emperor said, his voice cold. "We have much to discuss."

Killian stood, meeting the emperor's gaze. "How may I serve you, Your Majesty?"

"That woman in your custody, I have permitted you to investigate so you can dismiss the case. Get to the bottom of all of this." The emperor leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Or else I'll have to reveal the little secret you have up your sleeves..." Amusement was now dancing in his eyes.

His mood immediately darkened. "Yes, your Majesty." Killian bowed and headed for the exit.

'It's happening again,' he thought.

As he walked back through the palace corridors, the weight of the emperor's threat bore heavily on him. His secret, the one he had worked so hard to keep hidden, was now being used against him. He clenched his fists, his mind racing. He had to solve this case, not just for the sake of justice, but to protect himself and those he cared about.

Upon returning to the estate, Killian found Darius waiting for him. The guard's usual cheerfulness was replaced with a concerned expression.

"Your Grace, everything alright?" Darius, a soldier, asked, noting the tension in Killian's demeanor.

"Bring the prisoner to my study. We need to talk."

Darius nodded and hurried off to retrieve the woman from her cell. Moments later, she was brought into Killian's study, her hands still bound in cuffs. Killian stood by the window, staring out into the gardens, deep in thought.

"Sit," he commanded without turning around.

She complied, taking a seat in front of his desk. Darius remained by the door, his eyes darting between Killian and the prisoner.

Killian finally turned, his expression a mixture of determination and frustration. "I need answers," he said, his voice steady but firm. "And I need them now. Tell me everything you know about your husband's murder."

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of defiance and resignation. "I've already told you the truth. I didn't kill him."

Killian's gaze hardened. "You have to understand, the stakes are higher than you know. If you want any chance of proving your innocence, you need to cooperate fully."