"Take her away," the Emperor growled, his voice booming across the fake stone courtyard as he waved a dismissive hand, his heavy velvet sleeve cutting through the air. He didn't even glance back at Nina. "Escort Seraphina to her quarters immediately. Make sure she doesn't leave those chambers until I give the command. Her presence here bores me."
Two burly background actors dressed as imperial guards stepped forward, each grabbing one of Nina's arms. They didn't pull her too roughly, but the staging was clear… this was a public humiliation, meant to be witnessed.
Nina let her shoulders drop just an inch, her eyes locked onto the stone floor, her face a perfect canvas of a proud woman crushed by imperial whim. Inside, though, her mind was racing, cataloging every detail, every reaction from the crew watching just beyond the cameras.
"Move," the lead guard muttered, pushing her toward the exit arches.
