Chapter 27
King Hermon Cordillera placed his royal red cape around his shoulders, affixing it in place with the gold chain that was taut across his chest. The chamberlain set the crown upon his head. Cordillera readjusted the crown; his fingers delicately touched the black iron and steel band. He took a moment once the crown was properly in place, and stared at his reflection in the standup mirror. He believed this was the last time he’d see himself as a mere king. Soon he would be emperor, picking up where the Emperor Henry Rye failed centuries ago.
He strode out of his bedchamber, and down the hallway toward the Long Room, his chamberlain in tow. He savored the sound of his boots as each step smacked on the rock floors, and the way the sound reverberated off the walls.
The important t
