Chapters 55-60 Summary

In chapter fifty five, Nevo is part of the guards assigned to escort a concubine to the emperor. She freezes briefly after leaving the harem, and the soldiers freeze next to her and wait patiently. She leaves the Silverswords without looking back when Nero and the others drop her off at the gate to the emperor's chambers, and as he leaves, Nero finds himself deeply resenting the Silversword duties, and wishes he never became a soldier. He readies himself for sleep, but the Aleph Gate suddenly crashes open. Nevo rushes towards the emperor, who is shouting in rage. He reaches Joram's bedchamber and discovers many other guards there. Joram is inside, demanding to know who left a basket of fruit in his room. He throws the girl Nevo escorted across the room, killing her when she strikes the wall. He then...