[Imperial Palace—Throne Room]
The words struck like a thunderclap.
Lucien stood frozen at the threshold, breath catching in his throat. His hands shook violently, nails digging into his palms until it hurt. "N-no…" His voice cracked, weak and hollow. "No. Don't say that. Don't you dare say that."
The captain flinched at the venom laced in Lucien's trembling tone. He bowed low again, his forehead nearly brushing the marble floor. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I only—"
"You only WHAT?" Lucien's voice rose, shrill, desperate, filled with the kind of fury that could only be born from fear. "You only came here to kill me with your words? To tell me my husband—my Silas—is buried like some nameless soldier under a mountain of snow?"
"Lucien…" the Empress whispered, reaching toward him, but Lucien stumbled back, shaking his head violently, tears already burning in his eyes.
