The struggle for power in the court had begun sorting itself out. Aric had emerged victorious.
With Damaris' authority neutralized and Montclair de-stabilized, the nobles were not disposed to get in his way in the open.
But something was… off.
As if a storm brewed beyond his sight.
And by evening, that storm arrived.
Aric was sitting in his study when Cedric appeared, face white.
"My lord," he said softly. "We have an issue."
Aric's eyebrow rose. "Define 'issue.'"
Cedric paused, then produced a sealed missive.
"The Duke requests a surprise audience. And… there is a foreign envoy here."
Aric read the missive. A Valtarian ambassador.
He scowled. Valtaria had no business in this court.
Unless. they were here on an invitation.
He rose, smoothing his coat. "Say everything."
Cedric halted. "The envoy's name is Lord Verrian Acastia. He came with an elite guard, claiming to be here on behalf of the Valtarian emperor."
Aric's grip on the letter increased. An imperial agent.
This was no accident.
A person had introduced an empire's interest into their own personal conflict.
And Aric planned on discovering why.
Aric reached the grand hall by the time the nobles had already assembled.
The Duke leaned back in his throne, his face a mask.
Standing at his right was a man clad in dark red robes, a silver sigil fastened to his chest.
Verrian Acastia.
Aric sat, his face blank as Verrian began to speak.
"Your Grace," the envoy said in smooth tones. "I come bearing greetings from the Emperor of Valtaria."
The Duke nodded. "A visit so rare. What business does Valtaria have at my court?"
Verrian's smile spread wide. "We have. concerns."
A shiver of terror ran through the room.
"Concerns?" Montclair queried, his voice cautious.
Verrian's eyes flashed to Aric.
And smiled.
"We have heard rumors of a power growing within these walls."
A test. A challenge.
Aric looked at Verrian. Unflinching. Unfazed.
And smiled again.
Let the game begin.