A Suitable Umbrella

The Throne Room lay engulfed in an unsettling hush, a stillness that seemed to carry an air of foreboding. Amidst this quietude, the Emperor occupied his resplendent golden throne, his weathered hands finding an elegant perch on its broad armrests.

In a display of self-assured composure, Damien stepped into the chamber, his footfalls gentle but purposeful. He advanced with unwavering determination, his path leading him to a stance beside the Emperor – a position of unwavering loyalty, akin to that of a devoted guard. 

Their figures stood aligned, and as the Grand Duke settled into his designated place, a subtle yet deliberate clearing of the Emperor's throat shattered the oppressive quiet. From his lips emerged a voice that bore the rough edge of age, breaking the spell of silence,