They left the palace three hours later with imperial authorization documents, a list of contacts, and the weight of an empire-sized problem resting on their shoulders.
The morning sun was fully up now, the Imperial Capital alive with activity. Merchants hawking wares, bureaucrats hurrying to their posts, children playing in the fountains of the public squares.
All of them blissfully unaware that their Emperor had just tasked three people from a minor kingdom with saving the entire realm.
"Well," Seria said as they walked through the palace gardens toward the main thoroughfare, "that escalated."
Damien couldn't help the slight laugh that escaped. "Understatement of the year, Commander."
"We went from consultation to covert military operation in under three hours," Elara added, adjusting her formal robes with visible relief now that they were out of the Emperor's presence. "It seems like terrifying desperation on his part."
