The doors opened with a resonant groan. Sunlight spilled inside, catching the dust motes dancing in the air.

The throne room stretched before them, vast and cold, its stone walls draped in crimson and gold banners bearing the emblem of the Antarctic Empire.

He was older than the stories said, with tired eyes and a warm smile that crinkled the corners of his weathered face.

Then, from the shadows beside the throne, a figure stepped forward.