A Kingdom in Chaos -3

Tonight had been a warning. The real war had yet to begin.

The corridors of the Imperial Palace stretched endlessly before Adrian as he made his way toward his chambers. Each step echoed against the cold marble floors, the rhythmic clink of his boots a steady drumbeat in the vast silence. Torches burned low in their sconces, their flickering light casting elongated shadows against the gilded walls. The palace had always been a place of grandeur, but tonight, it felt more like a tomb.

A pair of guards flanked the entrance to his chambers, their hands resting on the pommels of their swords. They stiffened as Adrian approached, bowing their heads in deference.

"Any disturbances?" he asked, his voice quiet but firm.

"None, Your Highness," one of them replied. "But Captain Gareth ordered additional patrols along the eastern wing."

Adrian nodded approvingly. Gareth was thorough, a trait he valued now more than ever. He pushed open the doors to his chambers and stepped inside, the weight of the evening's events pressing against his shoulders like iron chains.

The room was vast, adorned with deep red tapestries and towering bookshelves filled with tomes of history, strategy, and philosophy. A massive fireplace crackled in the corner, casting a warm glow over the polished floors. Across from it stood a long table, maps and scrolls sprawled across its surface in chaotic precision.

Adrian poured himself a goblet of wine and took a slow sip, allowing the rich taste to settle on his tongue. His mind was restless, racing through the possibilities of what was to come. Kassius had made his move tonight—not an outright declaration of war, but a promise of one.

"What are you plotting, brother?" Adrian murmured into the empty room.

His gaze drifted to the map laid out before him. The empire stretched vast and powerful, but its strength was fragile. The northern borders were restless, the western provinces simmered with unrest, and now, with their father gone, the wolves were circling.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Enter," he called, setting his goblet aside.

The doors creaked open, revealing an aging man clad in the deep blue robes of the royal steward. Lord Theon Merek, one of his father's most trusted advisors, stepped forward with the careful grace of a man who had seen too many rulers rise and fall. His sharp eyes studied Adrian, their depths unreadable.

"Lord Theon," Adrian greeted, motioning toward the chair opposite him. "I was beginning to wonder when you would come."

Theon inclined his head but did not sit. "You must be careful, Your Highness. The council is divided, and many are watching to see if you falter."

"I won't falter," Adrian said, steel lining his voice.

Theon studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Then we must act before Kassius gathers enough support to challenge your claim."

Adrian leaned forward, his fingers tracing the borders of the empire on the map. "Who among the lords remains loyal?"

Theon exhaled; his expression was grim. "Lord Valdrik of Stormhold has sworn his allegiance, as has Lady Evanna of the Verdant Plains. But Lord Reynard of Black Hollow hesitates, and Duke Lorent of the Silver Coast has already been seen meeting with Kassius's envoys."

Adrian clenched his jaw. "If we lose the Silver Coast, we lose one of our wealthiest trade routes."

"Which is exactly why Kassius has moved swiftly," Theon said.

Adrian's fingers curled into a fist. His half-brother was playing the game well, and he could not afford to be two steps behind.

"Summon Lord Reynard," Adrian said, his mind whirling with possibilities. "I will speak to him personally."

Theon hesitated. "If he sees weakness"

"Then I will remind him why House Valos still rules this empire," Adrian interrupted, his voice cold as steel.

Theon studied him once more before bowing. "As you wish, Your Highness."

As the door closed behind the old steward, Adrian exhaled slowly. The war had already begun, even if no blood had been spilled—yet.

He turned his gaze back to the map, his fingers drifting toward the capital. Kassius wanted the throne, but he would not take it without a fight.

Adrian would ensure that.