GRAND DUKE SECRET
The Emperor's chambers were quiet, save for the faint rustle of the wind outside. Yet, within the opulent room, he tossed and turned, his face shadowed by unease.
In his dreams, he was no longer the mighty Emperor but a boy desperate for recognition. He saw himself standing before his father, sword in hand, panting after an intense sparring session.
"You'll never be as skilled as Charles," his father had said, his tone laced with disappointment. "He's a natural. You should strive to be more like him."
The words had cut deeper than any blade. No matter how hard he fought, how diligently he trained, his efforts always fell short in his father's eyes. Charles was the golden child, the favorite—stronger, sharper,and even legitimate more deserving of the throne.
The memories shifted. He saw Charles laughing with their father, the pride in their father's eyes unmistakable. He saw himself, standing in the shadows, watching the bond he could never have.
As the dream unraveled into fragmented images, one memory stood out. It was the moment Charles had been chosen to lead their father's elite forces. The younger Emperor had clenched his fists so tightly that his nails bit into his palms, his heart burning with resentment.
"I'll surpass you," his younger self had whispered that day. "I'll show him I'm worthy, even if it kills me."
The scene dissolved into darkness, replaced by Charles' final moments in the chapel. The blade piercing his chest. The shock in his eyes. The lifeless body crumpling to the ground.
The Emperor woke with a start, his breath heavy. For a moment, he sat in silence, the memories lingering like a specter. Then, slowly, his lips curled into a triumphant, eerie smile.
"Dear Father," he whispered to the empty room, his voice laced with dark satisfaction, "you saw how I killed your beloved like a chicken—so weak."
He chuckled softly, his tone dripping with malice as he chuckled in the darkness eerily.
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Far from the imperial palace, in the sprawling estate of the Grand Duke, a very different scene unfolded. Beneath the guise of a tranquil household, a dangerous secret was taking shape.
In a hidden courtyard behind the estate, rows of young orphans, their faces determined yet hardened by loss, trained under the watchful eyes of seasoned warriors. The clanging of swords and the sharp commands of instructors filled the air, but the operation remained concealed from prying eyes.
The Grand Duke, a man of commanding presence, observed the scene from a balcony. Beside him stood Valen, his eldest son .
"These children," Valen said, his tone measured, "they've endured more than most soldiers. Their loyalty will be unmatched, their strength unparalleled."
The Grand Duke nodded. "The Emperor split our military power to weaken us, but he underestimates our resolve. When the time comes, these orphans will be our answer. They'll fight for our family, for justice."
Valen's jaw tightened. "If the Emperor discovers this…"
"He won't," the Grand Duke interrupted, his voice firm. "Secrecy is paramount. Even a whisper of rebellion could lead to our execution."
Valen nodded, but his eyes remained sharp, scanning the training grounds. Among the orphans, he saw potential—future warriors who could one day restore their family's honor.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Grand Duke turned to his son. "Prepare the next phase. We'll send agents to recruit more. The Emperor may think he's won, but this game is far from over."
"Yes, Father," Valen replied, his voice steady.
Unbeknownst to the Emperor, the seeds of rebellion were being sown in silence, their roots spreading deep. While the Emperor basked in his triumph, the Grand Duke was building an army in the shadows—one that could change the fate of the empire forever.
Author note
Hii hii ,darling and awesome readers,I am taking a break from this novel because of some circumstances please support my new novel the Reborn detective instead
note
Hii hii ,darling and awesome readers,I am taking a break from this novel because of some circumstances please support my new novel the Reborn detective instead