”“I am sure they would sacrifice gladly,” Blandus responded. “To refuse would seem almost treasonous.”“Indeed, perhaps a public sacrifice ...ould be a good way to catch out traitors.”We all drifted off to sleep and awoke to the morning sun streaming through the window. I roused myself and ordered the baths readied for the emperor and his companions. While they were bathing I readied the emperor’s clothes. He returned from the bath and I helped him put on his toga.“No need for shoes today,” he. “Wouldn’t lay bets on it,” chuckled Gindo.“True,” Morgana replied with a grin.“How are things going on Loegria,” I asked out of curiosity as Brianna and I usually didn’t discuss her work.“The confederation grows. Scoterra finally went under and the people begged for our help, as opposed to the Over-master wannabe’s,” Gindo replied.“So, the two big islands and an alliance with Keltogalla?” I enquired.“Yes, though Keltogalla is a full confederation member under the shield,” Gindo replied as we. Stunned I watched him trudge into the living room; with a sob I ran up to my room and threw myself on my bed. I'd been ready for anything but that quiet dismissal, it had hurt me more than a thousand sharp words would have done. In my heart I knew that he didn't love me any more and I sobbed into my pillow desolately. Some time later I heard my step-mother going down the stairs, pleading and wailing at my father to let her stay, not to throw her out; my father's reply was so loud that I heard. “Welcome to Black World,” he said. “I know most of you are wondering what is going to happen to you. Well, it’s like this. If you behave and do everything you are told we probably won’t hurt you a lot. Disobey and we’ll strip you and whip you in front of all the rest of you. This is what you did to our people so now it’s our turn.Now for the day, you’ll have the time to consider how you’ll react. So eat well and have a good night’s sleep because tomorrow is going to be a long day.” With that he.