Alaric's eyes were fixed on Aurelian, wide with a blooming, murderous hate.
He didn't look at the masked man threatening him from behind. His eyes were clouded, and not for one second did he imagine that it was Julian.
"The letters..." Alaric rasped, his voice trembling. "Is it true, Aurelian? Did you keep Bellanora's last words from me while I was bleeding for your borders?"
Julian's grin widened so much that his teeth were flashing in the light.
"Ah," he mused, looking from the pale Emperor to the trembling Duke. "The plot thickens. The brother finally learns the price of his loyalty."
Aurelian looked at Alaric, and for the first time in his life, the Emperor felt the cold breath of true consequence. He didn't answer, and in that silence, the truth was louder than any scream.
"Answer me!" Alaric roared, taking a step forward. The knights instinctively moved to block him, but Alaric didn't even look at them. He looked at the throne.
