Just as Adam turned to leave the office the Emperor moved.
He moved with a speed that belied his age and his high station. In a flash he was at the door kicking it shut with a resounding boom that echoed in the silent office.
He had already sensed Adam's intention to leave.
He had deliberately chosen not to react immediately.
He had been waiting for this moment for Adam to make his move. He knew it would give him the opening he needed to regain control of the conversation.
The Emperor now stood between Adam and the door. His expression was a mixture of frustration and a new calculating intensity.
"I too," he said his voice a low dangerous growl "have a condition for you Eric."
Adam was a little surprised by this. He turned back his own expression one of polite if wary curiosity. He wondered what the Emperor could possibly want from him.
The Principal who had been watching this high-stakes game of chicken with a growing sense of dread was also taken aback.
