Once Maximilian and Evangeline prepared to leave, they were summoned by the Sovereign.
When they reached the entrance to the Sovereign's chamber, Frederick, the Sovereign's personal guard, stopped them.
"Lady Evangeline, please wait here. Only His Highness is allowed to enter," he said with a respectful bow.
Maximilian seemed reluctant to leave her alone, his eyes narrowing at the elderly figure of Frederick.
"I will wait here. Go," Evangeline said, reassuring him. Only then did Maximilian enter the room.
Although the chamber was grand, with its walls engraved in intricate patterns of gold and silver, it was far simpler than Maximilian's own room.
A large bed of dark mahogany wood stood against the opposite wall, draped in silken white curtains.
"Come here, my unfilial son," the Sovereign's weak and husky voice echoed from behind the curtains.
