The raindrops pierce through the night like silver needles, pounding on the palace bricks, tiles and stained glass with continuous, fragmented sounds. I stand frozen at the entrance to the emperor's chambers, heart hammering against my ribs. The other maids practically shoved me inside, their eyes a mixture of relief and dread.

Eldric lies in bed, and I can hear him muttering in his sleep. A chill runs down my spine as I notice the quilt has fallen to the floor. As a palace maid, I should retrieve it - that's my duty. Yet every instinct screams at me to flee.

The nightmare unfolds audibly as the emperor tosses. "You're dying, Uncle," he mutters coldly. "If you hadn't chosen to rebel, perhaps I would have been merciful."

I step forward cautiously, intent on replacing the covers without waking him. The marble floor feels ice-cold beneath my bare feet. Just as my fingers brush the fallen fabric, his eyes snap open - wine-red orbs glowing in the dim light.

With inhuman speed, he grabs my wrist, his grip like iron. A dagger appears at my throat before I can scream. His face is inches from mine, his breath carrying the faint scent of iron and something sweet.

"Who are you?" His voice is hoarse with sleep and something darker. "A new palace maid?" His crimson eyes scan me in the darkness, narrowing slightly. "Say, why are you near my bed?"