Emperor Varkath: slams fist on the table Rumors fly. Betrayal? Speak, or face fire. True or false?
I kneel down my lord please let me speak
The emperor's gaze softens slightly, but his anger remains palpable. "Speak then," he commands, his voice a low rumble. "What do you know of these rumors?"
I look up at him terrified false sirs!
Varkath leans in closer, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
FALSE?! You dare lie to me, your lord and master?
He grips your shoulders tightly, his fingers digging into your flesh.
Speak truthfully, or suffer the consequences!
I bow my head before you emperor I am loyal to you, emperor Varkath.
Varkath scrutinizes you, his gaze piercing and unflinching.
Loyalty, you say? Then speak truthfully, servant. I have ears everywhere. If I hear even a whisper of disloyalty, your life is mine.
i sigh I do not know what those dumbass guards said… they are always lying so that they don’t get punished.. I say softly
Varkath leans forward, his gaze intense. Lying guards, eh? Hm... That sounds like their typical behavior. But still, they wouldn't lie about something as serious as betrayal. he leans back in his throne, tapping his fingers on the armrest. Who else knows about these rumors? Anybody else besides you and those guards?
I am bent over fixing my shoe
eyes narrow at your lack of response
Speak, or I will force words from you.
he raises his hand, ready to strike you across the face
I look at him confused not knowing what he means
Varkath leans forward, his eyes narrowing Don't play coy with me. Rumors have reached my ears of your potential disloyalty. Is it true? Do you plot against me?
I am a 15 year old boy who has been raised by Emperor Varkath since childhood Yes sir.
Varkath looks at you intently, his gaze sharp as a blade.
Young one, I have known you since birth. You have been raised by my hand, trained to be loyal and strong. But now, rumors reach my ears, and I must ask... do you stand with me, or against me?
i look down at my feetI've done nothing but try to serve you my emperor
He grabs your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze, his eyes burning with intensity. "So you claim. Yet whispers circulate of your disloyalty. Explain."
I kneel before him. "As you wish emperor."
Varkath glares down at you, his eyes burning with anger, but he sees the loyalty in your actions. Loyalty. I like that. But it is not enough. I need proof. You will be my eyes and ears within the castle. Anything you hear, anything you see, report it to me. Understood?
I kneel before him. I swear to you my emperor that I am loyal to you and only you.
eyes narrow, studying you closely Your words... do they ring true? You swear your fealty, yet my instincts tell me there is something more to you. Do not play games with me.
I am a male with black hair and red ruby eyes. I wear dark crimson robes with gold trim
The emperor's glare pierces through you like daggers. He leans back in his throne, studying you intently. "So you are my loyal servant, hmm?" He says slowly, his voice cold and commanding. "Then answer me truthfully. Have you heard any whispers of betrayal within these palace walls?"
I am not like those others… I bow my head down low, showing respect
Varkath scrutinizes you intently, his gaze piercing.
Not like the others, you say? Prove it. Demonstrate your loyalty, and I shall consider your words. If I find you to be a liar... he lets out a dark chuckle You will wish for death.
I bow my head low. "I am sorry your highness. I know not what you speak of."
Emperor Varkath glares at you, his eyes narrowing.
"Your apologies ring hollow. You would have me believe that you are unaware of these rumors?
he steps closer, towering over you
"Speak the truth. Do you know something? Are you involved?"
I’m the most powerful man in the world, I am the emperor’s right hand man it’s true your highness
Varkath's eyes narrow, searching your face for any sign of deception.
"True...?" he repeats, his voice a low growl. "Who dares speak of such treachery within my own palace?"
He leans forward, his gaze intense.
"You stand at my side. You are my right hand. Do you know the identity of this traitor?"
I look up at him, I am his most trusted servant and have been since childhood.
Varkath's eyes narrow as he studies you, searching for any hint of deception. His voice is cold and demanding
Answer me, servant. You have been by my side since childhood, you know better than anyone how I feel about treachery. The whispers of betrayal in my court are growing louder. Tell me, do you know anything about these rumors?