The guard opens the door and we go in. Due to visitor limitations, Henry has been asked to wait in the receiving room.
“He’s got one guest already.” The guard explains. “Well, two, if you count the dog.”
We all look at one another, and Uncle smiles as if we’ve won a prize. But as we file through the door, I don’t feel jubilant at all. I feel very nervous and uneasy.
The room we enter is large, with the cell taking up half the room. It’s poorly lit, with only one window for the sun to shine through. A chair sits near the cell. The woman from the park sits in it; I catch my breath quickly and grab Mireille’s hand.
“Don’t.” she hisses at me, disengaging herself. “Not here, Kirika.”
I feel a small surge of anger, which serves to help with the fear I’m feeling. I drop back and walk behind her, trying to imitate her calm demeanor.
“Ah, my guests have arrived.” A rich voice calls out from the cell. The man behind the bars gets up from the bed and walks forward, putting his face up to the bars. He wears a dark red robe that shines softly in the semi-darkness of the room. I remember what Mireille said about him being called the Fallen Emperor. With his proud face and thick long brown hair curling down to his shoulders, he looks the part. He is younger than Uncle; for some reason I thought they would be the same age.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment.” He looks at all of us. “Waiting for almost twenty years.” He nods his head towards Uncle.
“Not that I’ve been idle all this time; indeed, during my exile, I’ve built a truly immense financial empire, more than I could have ever imagined in my youth. And I’m looking forward to the rewards of my efforts.” He smiles pleasantly at us. “I’m looking forward to a lot of things upon my release.”
“About the letter you wrote-” Uncle goes to pull out the letter, but Droger interrupts him.
“I see you have a problem with your knee. Tierney, give the old man your chair.” He orders the woman, and she stands and waves her hand at Uncle in invitation.
“No thanks.” Uncle says. “I’ll stand.”
“Pride…it’s a funny thing.” Droger remarks, his eyes moving over to Mireille. “It makes people do all sorts of things, even if it’s not in their best interest.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mireille turns her head to one side as if she’s analyzing him. They stare at one another and for some reason, I become even more uneasy.
“I knew your father quite well. He had built quite an empire himself.” He looks at Mireille intently, and she arches one eyebrow.
“And now- to see you standing before me like this…. my, how far you’ve fallen.” his tone takes on an air of disappointment.
Mireille’s eyes widen in surprise, then I see a dark look cross her face.
“Tell me, just how does it feel to be this low and common?” he taunts her.
Mireille charges forward, but Teirney jumps up and blocks the cell.
“Your only way forward is through me.” Teirney’s face is just as fierce as Mireille’s and their eyes are locked inches apart.
“Mireille.” Uncle’s voice has a warning tone, but she ignores him. I see her hand tighten into a fist.
“Mireille, please!” I cry out. She backs up slightly, never taking her eyes from Tierney’s face.
“We’ll meet again.” Mireille growls at her.
“Oh, I’m counting on it.” Tierney retorts back, a smug smile forming on her lips.
Uncle steps in and pulls Mireille further back. “I think we need to have a small discussion. If you will excuse us for a few moments.” He takes Mireille’s arm. She glances at me and I nod my head for her to go.
“If any harm comes to her, you will personally answer to me!” Mireille snaps out.
“I would expect nothing less of you.” Tierney answers.
“Nor I.” Droger answers smoothly, seemingly unruffled by the last few minutes.
“Mireille, come with me please.” Uncle’s voice indicates he won’t take no for an answer, and Mireille gives an angry huff as she is led from the room.
“Her bloodlines come through quite well. Impressive performance.” Droger rubs his hands together as if he’s enjoyed himself.
“I’m sure she’s just as impressive in bed.” Tierney’s sarcastic voice matches the nasty look on her face.
“Tierney!” he thunders so loud that we both jump. She turns to face him, eyes wide.
“Go walk the dog. Now.”
She shoots me another nasty look, then reaches under the chair and grabs Scruffy. He seems undeterred from the events in the room and dances happily about as she leashes him.
“And apologize before you leave.” he commands from his cell. Her mouth drops open.
“My...apologies for that last remark, my lady.” Her lip curls in obvious dislike of her task. She walks to the door, giving me one last look.
“Enjoy your time together.” she sneers, and slams the door behind her.

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