There ensued a momentous wait, perhaps a span of three or four breaths,
while the great Emperor Euphrates grew increasingly impatient at first,
and then, with a narrowing of his eyes, actually showed genuine
interest in her. After all, this one was not only harmless, but an
astonishing beauty. She could easily be excused of any number of
imagined insults, and made to toe the line readily enough when final
judgements were proclaimed.
But the girl -eyes downcast- remained stubbornly silent.
Frowning darkly, Borla finally stepped forward from his position of
direct attendance on the Emperor's right hand, and motioned away
Baschal with a little impatient flick of his fingers.
Gazing skeptically down upon her from within the deep folds of his
hooded robe, Borla grimaced at her distastefully and said, as from a
great height, "It seems this rebellious slave has lost her manners,
Highness. Perhaps she should lose her life as well!"
At this, Si'Wren's eyes grew wide with fright and surprise, but still
she said nothing.
Borla suddenly turned and said sharply to one of the Captains of the
Palace Guard, "Give me a sword."
The requested item was promptly produced by a guard, and handed over to
Baschal, who promptly took it and handed it over in turn to the Chief
Advisor to the Emperor.
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