[Emperor Cassius POV—Throne Room—The Next Day]
The throne room buzzed faintly with murmurs—nobles lined against the walls, guards standing tall, and sunlight glaring off polished marble. But all of that noise evaporated the moment he walked in.
General Luke.
Black hair tied neatly. Blue eyes calm—too calm. Posture straight like a blade forged in quiet fire. And an aura that grated against my skin like a challenge.
I narrowed my eyes.
"So… you are that bastard," I drawled slowly, letting each word slice the air. "General Luke."
He bowed—not deeply. Not fearfully. A respectful tilt of the head, nothing more.
"Yes," he said, voice steady, irritatingly steady. "I am the general Crown Princess Lavinia has taken under her command."
Confidence. Unshaken confidence.
I hated it.
My jaw ticked. "Why is this bastard pissing me off already…" I muttered under my breath.
