The Puppeteers - Claude's POV (part 1)

Emanuel de Lanark had always been an aloof, distant ruler residing in a distant palace. Finding it hard to trust those around him, he mostly kept to himself, occasionally revealing a facade of cheerful behavior during gatherings with the aristocrats when the truth about him was far from the image he projected.

Very different from all the Emorian monarchs who had traditionally ruled their people from the forefront, passionately defending their just causes. Unlike his predecessors, the elder brother of the Archduke was never one to engage in battles or take an active role in leading his troops.

Claude paused next to the immense portrait of his deceased mother, hanging in the dimly lit corridor of the desolate palace.

"I couldn't protect you back then, but I will protect them now," he whispered solemnly.