The Conspiracy

After watching the royal trash walk back through the balcony doors, a tall, hooded man turned around and left the royal square. He proceeded past the secondary wall gates and, after being vetted by the Royal Guardians, walked towards the noble district. Upon arriving, he was in front of a huge white mansion with domineering pillars at the entrance dominating the scenery, with lush gardens and fountains out to the side. The hooded man was quickly allowed through the gate and escorted to the mansion, where the shadowy table awaited him.

Immediately, he got on one knee with his head down as he became adjacent to The Commander. "My lord, I have just returned from the royal square; the royal trash are having twins. One male is called Septimius Kraser, and the female is called Claudia Kraser." I spoke to the hooded man.

"It is interesting that these pretenders have stabilized their family's future with multiple options for future rulers. What else did the royal trash say?" said the Commander from the shadows.

"They talked about the war in the north going well, capturing the city closest to the border, but there have been heavy casualties, and there is a one-silver coin pension per soldier's family," said the Hooded man.

"What! That's ridiculous. It's their job to die for the kingdom, so why waste so much money on common trash? Is there anything else?" The Commander asked, hidden in the shadows.

"The pretender announced that his eldest son has been engaged to Princess Zyla Hesper from the ancient kingdom of Hesper, with the possibility of a full military alliance in the future.

Also, the common king will personally lead the 5th and 8th legion to the battlefield to finish this war as soon as possible so he can focus on this kingdom," said the hooded man.

"He will personally lead; in the best-case scenario, he gets himself gutted. This alliance is troubling for us. We need to find a way to end it. Taking this kingdom back to salvation will be tricky. Okay, you are dismissed, Dasmius," Said The Commander as he threw over a small bag full of bronze coins.

"Thank you my lord, if you have any other jobs I am always available." Stated the hooded man.

"Actually, I do have another job for you, Dasmius, to keep quiet. Guards do it," said The Commander. Suddenly, as The Commander ended his sentence, two swordsmen came out of the shadows behind Dasmius and stabbed him in the back.

Betrayed by his employer Dasmius fell backwards with blood coming out of his mouth, the face of a really young man barely visible.

"Unfortunately for you, Dasmius, I can't have you expose me at this critical juncture. Don't worry; I will send your family to meet you in the afterlife," The Commander said monotonously.

Dasmius attempted to speak but was cut off by the blood spitting from his mouth. He perished with immense rage and sadness consuming his mind. 

"Guards take his body to Aodium so he can continue with his experiments." Said The Commander as he got up from his chair, revealing his short 5ft 8 inches height with a pitch black hood covering his face.

He then proceeded through the shadowy door behind him into a meeting room, where a black table was waiting, with seven out of eight chairs already occupied. Sitting in these seats were seven beings, all wearing long black cloaks with thick black hoods concealing their identities. Around this table sat Viper, Killer, Blade, Courier, Scorpion, Barracuda, and Bowman, each having a different role in the Conspiracy. 

The Commander proceeded to the empty chair at the head of the table before sitting down and addressing his co-conspirators. 

"Hello, my friends. Thank you for coming on such a busy day around this city," The Commander said with a chuckle.

"Enough chat; get to the point, Commander. After our recent setback, we need a win," said a conspirator codenamed Viper in a distinctly female voice.

"Thanks for the interruption, Viper. When I was getting to the point, do it again, and I will personally cut your head off from your petite body. Anyway, where was I? Ah, yes, the pretenders have had twins, one boy and one girl. This is bad news for us as they have stabilized their positions as rulers. 

Also, they have finally given in to the ancient Kingdoms of Hesper's marriage alliance proposal, marrying the useless Crown Prince to Princess Zyla of Hesper. This is bad news for us as this alliance will make them much stronger, with them offering logistical assistance in the ongoing war. 

But there is a silver lining: the trash King will personally be going to the battlefield, and this could be the opportunity we were looking for; this is my plan...." Said The Commander in a threatening tone. 

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Elsewhere, in the beautiful royal garden with its flora and fauna around them, the Kraser royals were enjoying the warm afternoon sun with the newborns. 

"Father, when are you going, and for how long?" Asked Julius inquisitively. 

"Don't worry, my son. I will be fine. I am leaving in a couple of days. Hopefully, we can end this war soon so I can return home to you and your new siblings." Junius answered in a sad voice, being pulled away from his kids due to his responsibility. 

"Can I come with you, Father?" Said Julius making a ball with his fist in the air. 

"NO! Julius, you are way too young, my son. You have many lessons to attend and can't be away for a long time from the capital," shouted Aurora, not allowing her young son to leave the safety of the Palatine hill. 

"You heard your mother, son. Not a chance, but don't worry; in the future, you will be leading armies of your own," Junius said as he rubbed his hair. 

Suddenly, steps were heard as Mage Caspian, the Crown Prince's personal bodyguard, walked over and stated, "Your Majesties, it is time for the Crown Prince's afternoon lesson with the librarian."

"You heard him, Julius. Off you go, and remember to concentrate; these lessons will be invaluable to your glorious future." Junius said proud, looking at his smart eldest son.