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Chapter 6

  • EMPEROR ARION
  • The first group of trained warriors stood before me. They had completed six weeks of training. Their heads were held high, eyes looking forward. Shoulders squared, backs straight. They were the embodiment of discipline. Their arms were tightly at their sides. I ordered the best, and that is what was before me.
  • An intriguing blend of vipers with their stealth. Foxes with their craftiness. Mingled with the dragons with their raw power.
  • "When will this lot be ready for the front line?" I asked the drill sergeant.
  • "They are ready to be deployed now at your order."
  • "Excellent. When will the next group be ready?"
  • I perceived them as nothing more than mere pawns. The rules are the orders I gave. Their autonomy, now moulded into my military. A tool for me to manipulate. Each one programmed to follow commands without hesitation.
  • "The Crimson Claw has yet to arrive with the next line of men. We are expecting them to arrive sometime today or early morning."
  • I nodded thoughtfully. "Send word once the second group has arrived. I want them in training as soon as possible."
  • I didn't wait for the sergeant to respond. Pivoting. My gaze fixated ahead. The shuttle awaited in the distance. Under the afternoon light, we had taken off back to the palace. My mind buzzed with the pressing matters of the empire. One of the matters involved funding.
  • I stepped out of the shuttle. Servants bowed as I reached the main entrance. My footsteps rushed. Duke Erebus (ERR-uh-bus) was scheduled to meet with me shortly.
  • This would be a significant meeting. I needed his wealth. To secure his support, I would offer him a bride.
  • I already knew he was ambitious. My youngest daughter's hand in marriage was a link to a bloodline he had always desired. A union Duke Erebus would agree to. A strategic political alliance. Something my daughter would not object to. Duty and honour beaten into her. Nyxara (nik-SAH-ruh) may be reluctant, but her mother will quickly remind her of her place.
  • I glided across the floor into the lounge; the figure of Duke Erebus awaited my arrival. My eyes shifted to the second body that had filled the location. My primary empress, Noxis (NOK-sis), had graciously entertained him during my absence.
  • Upon entering, I found the duke rising to his full height, bowing deeply in a show of respect. "Your Imperial Majesty," he said, raising his head. "It is good to see you."
  • I studied the man, a decade younger than me. "I trust that I did not cause you any delay," I said out of politeness. In truth, I had not cared.
  • His eyes sparkled with greed. "Certainly not." Duke Erebus forced a smile.
  • My eyes shifted. Noxis knelt gracefully to the floor, as was customary in my company. "Noxis, you may rise."
  • "Would my Imperial Majesty like me to leave?" Noxis had kept her eyes lowered as she spoke.
  • "Sit," I had motioned with my hands for both of them to resume their seating. "Duke Erebus, I trust you're curious about the reason I have called you here."
  • "I have."
  • "I have called for you to propose an alliance. My youngest daughter, I have shamefully kept for myself. Nyxara, my beloved jewel has long since reached the age of marriage. I wish to match my daughter with a like-minded mate like myself. Word has reached me that you meet the requirements I desire."
  • I watched Noxis carefully. If she disagreed, she said nothing. Instead, Noxis had clutched her gown but maintained a soft expression. "My husband, that is a perfect match. Our daughter will be blessed by this match." Her words had enhanced my proposal.
  • "After the death of my beloved mate. I had not placed much thought in a union." Duke Erebus pondered the proposal. "I still have no heir to speak of. My mother has been taken to her bed. Fear has gripped her heart. This mate could be profitable."
  • "Nyxara is healthy. She will provide you not only with an heir but plenty of healthy offspring." Noxis had added to the conversation.
  • I watched as Duke Erebus nodded as he thought further on the matters.
  • "If I may speak plainly," the duke maintained eye contact. I motioned for him to proceed. "Would I be wrong to assume that with your daughter's hand in marriage. You are asking for my support in the battles to come?"
  • I chuckled. "I have always enjoyed your family's forwardness. Yes. I want your financial support."
  • Duke Erebus leaned back into his seat. "I will take your daughter as my mate. Does 10,000 appeal to your imperial majesty?"
  • "15,000."
  • "15,000 then. Nyxara provides an heir and I will give 10,000 more."
  • "I will have the decree drafted for your signature tomorrow morning. When would you like the ceremony to take place?"
  • "As soon as I have the funding prepared."
  • "I like the way you think. In 30 days Nyxara will be prepared. Garments and staff will be provided on my part. They will serve my daughter. The estates?"
  • "Nyxara will be gifted the family home, stepping into the role my mother has held since she married into the family. With this responsibility, she will manage the household affairs in my absence."
  • "Then it is settled. Noxis, go inform Nyxara that she is to be ready in 30 days. She will become the wife of Duke Erebus. Make sure she is agreeable." My tone had dropped at the end.