The Duchess vs The Empress

The Duchess's POV...

Leaving the Frost General's abode, the Duchess headed straight toward a personal friend's house. The Empress.

Arriving in front of a big mansion on a hill, she was greeted by several guards at the gate, who, after checking her identification, cleared her to go to the mansion. The large ornate thick wooden doors opened immediately, and a butler ushered the Duchess into a magnificent hall with high ceilings.

The interior was decorated like an ancient temple, and its walls were lined with paintings of battles that made her feel as if she had traveled back through time.

"Lady Vanroth," the Empress said when she appeared after the butler announced the visitor. "How nice it is to see you."

"I have come to tell you a bit of news and ask you to reconsider our previous conversation," the Duchess replied, bowing politely.

The Empress smiled brightly. "Okay, let's sit down and talk." She waved over two servant girls standing nearby who approached carrying tea trays.