Chapter 10: Whispers of Rebellion
The halls of the palace were eerily quiet as Seraphina strode away from the council chamber, her mind still replaying every word, every glance exchanged in that room. They were testing her. Weighing their options. They did not fear her yet—but they would.
She turned a corner, her silk gown sweeping against the polished marble floors. The moment she was out of sight from the guards, she exhaled slowly. They were already plotting against her.
It wasn't just Lord Cedric—it was all of them.
She had expected resistance, of course. Power was never given; it was taken. But what truly concerned her was the mention of her brother, Prince Aurelius.
Seraphina hadn't seen him in years. Not since the night of her betrayal.
Aurelius had been absent during the empire's darkest hours, hidden away in some distant estate, kept safe from the bloodshed and chaos. He had never fought for the throne. Never sacrificed. And yet, now he was being paraded as a viable alternative to her?
She scoffed. They were fools if they thought she would surrender without a fight.
"Your Highness."
The familiar voice pulled her from her thoughts. She turned to see Commander Rhys Callahan, his imposing frame stepping out from the shadows of the corridor. His dark cloak barely concealed the armor beneath it, and his expression was as sharp as the blade at his hip.
"Commander," she acknowledged. "What news?"
Rhys fell into step beside her, his movements swift but deliberate. "There are whispers spreading beyond the palace walls. The nobles have already begun sowing seeds of doubt among the people."
Seraphina's jaw tightened. "Let me guess—questioning my legitimacy? My ability to rule?"
Rhys nodded. "And more. Some claim that the late Empress' curse lingers, that your return will bring ruin to the empire."
A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Of course. Superstition is such a convenient tool for cowards."
"The Regent is using it to his advantage," Rhys said grimly. "And now with Prince Aurelius being mentioned as an alternative… the people are listening."
Seraphina stopped walking. She turned to face Rhys fully, her golden eyes locking onto his.
"What would you do if you were in my place?" she asked.
Rhys studied her for a long moment before answering. "I would remind them why they should fear you."
His words hung in the air between them.
Seraphina smirked. "Good. Because that's exactly what I intend to do."
She resumed walking, her mind already spinning with possibilities. She could not afford to wait. The game had begun, and she needed to strike first.
"Prepare my personal guard," she ordered. "Tonight, I will show the empire exactly who their Empress is."
Rhys bowed his head in acknowledgment. "As you command."
As he left to make the preparations, Seraphina glanced out one of the tall palace windows. The city stretched below, its streets glowing under the lantern lights.
They doubted her.
They feared the past.
She would make them fear the future instead.