Silence settled in the chamber, an almost tangible weight between father and son, broken only by the crackle of torches along the walls and the wavering flicker of candlelight that left shadows across the cold stone floor, shifting like phantoms from another age.
Aric watched Xavier, the emperor's gaze distant, burdened with something older, heavier than either of them.
After a long pause, Xavier finally spoke, his voice low, contemplative.
"Most would think to be emperor is to wield absolute power, to command with a single word, to bend kingdoms to one's will, to act without consequence." He paused, a faint frown cutting across his features, the shadow of doubt flickering in his eyes. "To some extent, perhaps, it is."
He glanced at Aric, his gaze sharp, appraising.
