GRAND DUKE MANSION

 The emperor sat in his private study, the soft glow of lanterns casting long shadows on the walls. His mind raced with a mix of paranoia and guilt. The dream of blood-soaked hallways still haunted him, but another specter loomed larger—his fear of the Grand Duke.

The Grand Duke had once been one of his trusted commanders, but that was before Concubine Edith's death. The emperor had orchestrated her demise, ensuring her silence and that of her unborn child—or so he thought. But he could not ignore the possibility that the Grand Duke, grieving his daughter, might seek vengeance.

"The Grand Duke is too powerful," the emperor muttered, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "If he turns against me, it would spell chaos for the empire."

He needed a plan to weaken the Grand Duke without outright confrontation, one that would appear to benefit the empire rather than betray his own fear.

---

At the Grand Duke's mansion, the air was crisp with the scent of pine and frost. The Grand Duke sat in his study, reviewing troop reports, while his son valen played with a delicate jade rattle—a gift for his newborn son. The soft coos of the baby brought a rare smile to the usually stern man's face.

A messenger entered, bowing deeply. "Your Grace, a summons from His Majesty."

The Grand Duke's brow furrowed as he took the sealed letter. Breaking the seal, his eyes scanned the contents, his expression darkening with each line.

"What is it, Father?" Valen asked, his voice steady but laced with concern.

"The emperor has summoned me to the palace," the Grand Duke replied. "He intends to reassign half of our forces to a young commander, citing 'military balance.' And he suggests you take a break from active duty to care for your family."

Valen's jaw tightened. "A growing commander? He means to dilute our power under the guise of fairness."

The Grand Duke placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "We must tread carefully, valen. The emperor sees threats in every shadow, and we must not give him reason to act against us directly."

The Grand Duke arrived at the palace the next morning, his expression calm but his heart heavy. The emperor awaited him in the throne room, surrounded by ministers and generals.

"Your Majesty," the Grand Duke said, bowing deeply.

"Rise, Grand Duke," the emperor said, his tone measured. "You have served the empire faithfully for many years, and your contributions are unmatched. But as you know, the empire is vast, and its security requires balance."

The Grand Duke remained silent, his face unreadable.

"I have decided," the emperor continued, "to transfer half of your forces to Commander falcon. He is young but capable, and his current command is limited. Additionally, I believe valen should take a temporary leave to care for his wife and newborn child. Family is important, after all."

The Grand Duke's gaze remained steady. "Your Majesty, my forces are loyal to me because they trust my leadership. Splitting them may weaken their cohesion and effectiveness."

The emperor's lips curled into a faint smile. "Your concern for the empire's well-being is noted, Grand Duke. But this decision has been made with the counsel of my advisors. It is final." "Another thing I have always wished to ask you your Majesty,my daughter died with her child but I could not even see the corpse of both...I have waited for several months and even her ashes was not brought to me"the Grand Duke suddenly said with a bow

 The emperor threw a cold gaze at the grand Duke, his words chilling"when is it your turn to tell me what to do"

The room was silent, the tension palpable. The Grand Duke bowed again, masking his frustration. "As Your Majesty wishes."

 The emperor waved him off irritated.----

That evening, back at the Grand Duke's mansion, valen paced the study, his anger barely contained.

"This is an insult!" he said. "Stripping half our forces and sidelining me under the pretext of family? He's trying to dismantle our power."

The Grand Duke poured himself a glass of wine, his expression contemplative. "The emperor is not a fool. He fears us, and this is his way of ensuring we pose no threat. But outright defiance would only confirm his suspicions."

Valen clenched his fists. "So we do nothing?"

"We wait," the Grand Duke said. "For now, comply with his orders. Show no resistance. But strengthen your personal ties with the soldiers. Loyalty is not dictated by rank alone."

Valen nodded, though his frustration simmered beneath the surface. "And what of this Commander falcon?"

The Grand Duke's eyes darkened. "We'll watch him closely. If he shows signs of ambition beyond his station, we will act."

The Grand Duke closed his eyes and sighed"valen thread carefully,I provoked his Majesty with your sister when I went to the palace "

Hearing of his beloved sister who died but they could not see for the last time,helplessness and bitterness roses from his heart

---

In the palace, the emperor sat in his study, sipping wine and reviewing reports. The transfer of forces had gone smoothly on paper, but he knew the Grand Duke would not take the slight lightly.

"Your Majesty," the spymaster said, entering the room, "the Grand Duke has accepted your orders without complaint. But his son, valen, was visibly displeased."

The emperor nodded. "Good. Let them stew in silence. A show of submission is all I need for now. Keep a close eye on them both."

The spymaster bowed. "As you command."

As the emperor stared at the flickering candlelight, his mind drifted back to Concubine Edith. Her death had been a necessary evil, he told himself, but the consequences lingered.

"This is the cost of power," he murmured. "Trust no one, and strike before they strike you."

Yet, even as he spoke the words, a nagging doubt crept into his heart. The Grand Duke was a dangerous man, and stripping him of power might not quell the storm—it might only delay it.