James Thorne, sitting on his throne, drummed his fingers on the desk.
"So, what brings you here today?" the Emperor asked.
"Couldn't you be more welcoming? It's the first time we meet in three years."
The woman standing in front of him across the desk spoke. Her voice had a musical quality to it, with a slightly breathy sound layered on top - seductive and rich.
"Well, It's good to see you, Ashley," James stated. Robotic.
"I see that you haven't changed at all," the lady smiled.
"No, I haven't."
"But why do I read that the Great Emperor is smitten by some stray kitten now?" there were thorns hidden in her voice now.
"You know better than to believe everything you read on media - I would have thought."
"This picture though," Ashley pulled out a photograph from her purse and placed it on the desk "tells me a different story.
The Emperor just kept his eyes fixed on Ashley, not falling for any bait.
