The skies above the Southern Empire were shrouded in dark clouds, the oppressive atmosphere like an invisible hand gripping the hearts of every soul. On the surface, Empress Rhagaea's rule remained unshaken, and the Senate appeared obedient. Yet, the undercurrents deep within the court had been brewing for years, poised to unleash a storm.
Lord Zenos, a descendant of an ancient family that had risen to prominence in the empire's early days, stood in the shadows, plotting a coup to overthrow Rhagaea. His ancestors had once held great power in the Senate, making his family one of the most illustrious in imperial politics. However, since Rhagaea's ascension to the throne, her iron-fisted policies had steadily centralized imperial authority, weakening the Senate's influence. Many noble families saw their interests trampled, and the Zenos family was among the most aggrieved.
Bitter resentment festered in Zenos' heart. Over the years, he had secretly cultivated allies, swaying pro-Aserai senators to his side. Through bribery and intimidation, he had woven an intricate web of influence across the empire's political landscape. He knew that to topple Rhagaea, brute force alone would not suffice—he had to strike at the heart of her legitimacy: the Senate, the very symbol of imperial power.
Zenos' plan was meticulous. He had long gathered damning evidence against certain senators—some embezzled imperial taxes, others conspired with the Khuzaits, and some had even profited from the wars. He laid these crimes bare before them, whispering, *"The empire is due for a new emperor. Cast but a single vote against her, and all will be spared."*
*"But if you refuse—"* His gaze turned venomous. *"These sins will be your family's epitaph."*
Zenos had also secured the covert backing of Aserai forces. In exchange for their gold, he promised to cede border cities once he seized power, using the wealth to sway the undecided senators.
The morning of the coup dawned deceptively calm. The Senate hall was filled as the gathered lords prepared for what was framed as an "open debate" on Rhagaea's rule—a stage carefully set by Zenos. He declared, *"The empire's heart wavers, our borders bleed. We need a leader of true prestige, one who can make peace with the Aserai!"*
*"Empress Rhagaea's policies have cost us countless lives!"* Zenos stood at the center, his voice sharp and commanding, laced with just the right mix of fury and feigned patriotism. *"We exhaust ourselves in wars against the Khuzaits and Aserai, while our people starve in the wilds!"* The senators he had bought or threatened nodded along, their voices rising in agreement.
*"The empress has forsaken the empire's foundations—forsaken the Senate's dignity! Shall we let an empire crumble under the whims of a stubborn woman?!"*
Yet Rhagaea's loyalists fought back. *"Her Majesty reformed the imperial taxes, curbed noble corruption—was this not for the empire's future?!"*
The hall erupted into chaos, factions clashing in a storm of arguments and accusations. Zenos watched coldly from the center, a smirk playing on his lips. He knew the frailty of men—how gold and fear could erode even the staunchest loyalties.
Before the vote, his agents moved among the senators, murmuring, *"Cast your vote against her, and your house remains untouched."*
But Rhagaea was no fool. When her daughter and trusted advisors warned of traitors within the empire, she had prepared. Sensing the shifting tides, she summoned her allies, devising a countermove. Her agents visited loyal senators in secret, and she herself confronted the wavering lords, her voice steel: *"The empire's fate rests on your choice today! Betray me, and you betray the empire itself!"*
Her unyielding presence cowed some, yet the tide had turned. Gold and threats had already sealed most fates.
As the vote commenced, the hall fell deathly silent. The air itself felt leaden, suffocating. Zenos sat poised, his hawkish eyes tracking every senator who approached the urn.
Rhagaea's loyalists stood pale but resolute, while those who had been coerced hesitated, their eyes flickering with the weight of their inevitable choice.
When the final vote was cast, the outcome was irreversible: Empress Rhagaea, by a narrow margin, had been deposed.
A murmur rippled through the Senate. Zenos rose, triumphant as a conquering general. His smirk deepened as he met Rhagaea's gaze, his voice dripping with malice. *"Your reign ends here, Your Majesty."*
Though surrounded by guards, Rhagaea's glare was unbroken, her voice icy. *"Traitor. You will pay for this."*
But her words were drowned in the uproar. In the Senate hall, Zenos' banner now flew high—while Rhagaea was placed under house arrest, stripped of all power.