The pulse of excitement thrummed in my chest as I stood there, barely able to contain the overwhelming feeling of joy that surged through me.
My papa was back. The Emperor was back.
Everything felt like it was falling into place, like the pieces of a puzzle finally aligning perfectly. It all clicked. Of course, Grandpa Gregor had asked if I remembered papa. He was testing me. But now... now I understood why.
I could hardly wait to run to him, to throw myself into his arms and declare my joy to the heavens.
But then...something made me stop.
My little brain went ding ding ding! I had an idea.
A brilliant idea.
A mischievous, wonderful, slightly evil idea.
Oh yes. I had to have some fun with this.
Hehehehe...
A sly grin curled at the corners of my lips as I let the moment draw out, letting the silence weigh heavily upon the room. It was as if everyone was holding their breath, just like I had been.
