Aric knew that Lord Strathmore was too dangerous to be left unchecked.
But murdering him outright would be too dangerous.
No—Strathmore was valuable.
If Aric could convince him to join as an ally, he would not only be eliminating a threat, but also acquiring a brilliant strategist in the court.
And so, the game commenced.
---
---
The next evening, Aric made his move.
A letter was dispatched to Strathmore's mansion—bearing Aric's personal crest.
It was a straightforward message.
"Come speak with me in private. Midnight. Western tower."
A brazen request.
One Strathmore would either respond—to—or betray.
Either, Aric would have an answer.
---
---
Midnight came.
The western tower stood dark, except for the faraway light of torches along the castle walls.
Aric stood against the parapet, looking out over the city below. Peaceful. Expectant.
Footsteps.
Strathmore appeared.
"I wasn't sure you'd show," Aric said, still not turning to face him.
Strathmore took a step forward, his expression serious face.
"I was curious," he admitted. "It's not often the Duke's most brilliant star requests a secret meeting."
Aric turned to him, a smile spreading across his face.
"You're an astute man, Lord Strathmore. You notice things that others don't."
Strathmore crossed his arms.
"And what do you hope to gain from me, Master Aric?"
Aric took a step closer, his golden eyes flaring in the faint torchlight.
"I'd like to give you something."
A pause.
Strathmore's expression didn't change. "Continue."
---
Aric answered warily.
"You have a right to suspect me," he admitted. "I have. certain abilities. A power that guarantees my success."
Strathmore's eyes narrowed. "Magic?"
Aric chuckled. "Something like that."
A half-truth carefully designed for maximum effect.
He advanced one step.
"I know you're a man of reason, Strathmore. You don't believe in blind allegiance. You serve only when it suits you."
Strathmore didn't answer.
"Then let me show you something far greater than mere suspicion."
He spoke softly, his voice a whisper almost too quiet to hear.
"Power. Influence. Control."
Strathmore didn't flinch, but Aric sensed it—a flash of interest.
A silence.
Then, finally, Strathmore spoke again.
"And in return?"
Aric met his gaze straight on. "Your loyalty."
The air was thick with weighty silence.
Then—Strathmore laughed.
"You really are a power-hungry man, Aric."
Aric raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Strathmore weighed his options.
Then, he offered his hand.
"Persuade me."
Aric smiled.
Done.
---
Aric stretched out his own hand, enveloping Strathmore's in a tight grip.
And when their palms touched—the System responded.
[ Ding! ]
[ New Ability Acquired: Sovereign's Bind. ]
[ Effect: Those who swear allegiance to you have their destinies bound to yours. Their strength is your strength. Their loss… your loss. ]
Aric's eyelids drifted closed.
Strathmore didn't even realize the system responded.
But Aric did.
And smiled.
Because now—Strathmore was his.
No matter if he knew it or not.