The trip to the council was a silent one, having just spent hours detailing a plan and trying to tie it all together was quite taxing for Acacius.
The spy would ultimately lead him to Asani, his nephew, Acacius just needed to make sure that the other would see things that aren't there or real and make it so the servant June relays everything.
Now what he didn't know was if there were other spies present, not only from his nephew but other factors that came looking for a play.
The former empress was sure to have many beloved fans all around, who were willing to spy for her and then there were the spies of the council members.
All in all he had been handling things a lot better than he thought he did, for one he was still breathing. That"s a win all in its own right.
It didn't help that the system had so helpfully notified him that if he died he would stay dead, he couldn't even return to his life as Adrian!
"We have arrived, Your Majesty.''
The door, just like many others, was big and sturdy. The only difference between each and every door was the intriguing designs left upon them.
As the door opened, he was met with stares, stares of the twenty councilmen present. A total of twenty standing tall before hurriedly greeting him simultaneously.
"Your imperial majesty!"
Ignoring their greets, Acacius walked right by them. Cold hardness on his face was affecting more than one of his council members as they shivered, gulped and a few others had cold sweat running down their temple.
The table they stood at was long and absolutely gorgeous, made out of oak but Acacius could be wrong. Knowledge of wood had not been forced upon him.
However the table and with that the chairs were truly one of a kind.
Twenty chairs, each one belonged to a council member, an advisor of the king.
Each one of them had their own platoon of advisors of course, some only a few while others counting up to a hundred.
The thing that defined those numbers was the subject each member was assigned and specialized in.
For example the more difficult the subject, the more information was needed, information that came from different parts of the kingdom.
A council that consisted of not only intellectuals but also analysts and even hands on people.
It was a surprisingly difficult set up but well thought of. Because the hands on people experienced the happenings of the world, while the analysts analysed and the intellectuals thought of ways to solve a problem or atleast stabilize it.
Acacius Aeni Axton had designed it and the new way of doing things had helped further improve the kingdom.
Sitting down in his chair bigger than the others, more refined and charming than the others he watched as the council member stood in silence. Waiting for the command to sit down, permission he needed to give.
Acacius could see the confusion in their eyes as no such command came, the way hands rubbed over themselves in nervousness as he let his eyes drop over them one by one.
All of them dressed up in their finest and most expensive clothes, making him wonder slightly if they had been to a hairdresser before coming over. Their hair was way too perfect for an afternoon, any afternoon.
He couldn't speak as he, himself, was after all also dolled up, his own hair practically made up with braids, thick and thin, hiding the silver strands with great difficulty. He needed to find something for that as the silver just kept growing every day, beside the fact that it was annoying to wake up before the maids to braid his hair.
While he was working on the spell, he should also find something that would turn his hair back to the original auburn brown it was.
He hadn't bothered to hide his disdain at the thought of waking up early, so it was to no one's surprise that they catched it.
''Your---majesty?''
Faces turned as if by magic to the one who spoke. She was young, well trained but obviously new as she paled considerably at the attention.
That was yet another great thing about the implanted system, the members consisted of young and old, male and female. Every opinion was asked and they were all equally allowed to participate in discussions that were before deemed only for the elderly.
It was still only four under forty but the process is a process.
"Sit.''
After a round of thanks echoing around the scraping of chairs filled the room and with a command the meeting began.
One after the other they spoke, various issues given accompanied with a small synopsis. In this way the meeting started with the agenda of the day, everyone would be made aware of what was going and could in this way adequately prepare.
Ofcourse it was the Emperor that would decide which issues needed the most attention.
''The matter of our neighbouring Kingdom, explain.''
It was one of the more pressing matters for sure yet it irked Acacius that one of the more audacious members nodded in approval at his decision. With that rose the urge to respond, say something and remind him of his position but before he could he was interrupted by the one in charge of overlooking the relations between the neighbouring kingdoms.
"Even from within our kingdom their has been a multitude of growing voices that speak of an uprising, a civil war happening within the Holy Kingdom.''
"Any reasons as to why? What about our spies?''
''There have been no indicators as to why, their security has heightened as well wich unfortunately means our spies have been heavily restricted in their movements.''
''Have they been suspected?''
''No, my emperor.'
''That's good, is there any chance that our kingdom could possibly get directly involved in their civil war?
"For now?
Not likely.""
"Tell the spies to stay low and act according to their crafted character. From now on they are restricted in their movements. Talk to the commander of war and everyone one else closely involved with this and seek a way to discreetly up the security at the border between our two kingdoms.
I want a report within the week of possible changes and even if there aren't any."
"I understand, your highness."
"International affairs!"The person assigned immediately sprung up, attention at the ready.
'' Within a week I want a report on my desk,you are to find out whether there is any connection between the Holy Kingdom and the Magic KIngdom!"
"Yes, your majesty!"
"This matter is of utmost importance, your majesty.
As such various nobles and me think it is unwise to leave this matter in the hands of the younger generation!''
Lord Hawkings, as expected once more interrupting with his own schedule in mind. And here he thought it was going smoothly.
''It's in their expertise, you as an elder noble without a doubt understands the meaning of those words!'' His words were final and harsh yet that had never bothered the elder.
"That may be so but even beside that letting the spies stop every task would prove unsustainable.
We need their information, they should be doing everything they can to gain information.''
''They are placed there for surveillance, they would be useless dead!''
He should have just gotten rid of him already, every damn time he has something to say and most of the times it was a clear jab to his skills...or lack off apparently
''I'm more than aware but if we play things right we could let them fight it out and then take the spoils of war!"
Narrowing his eyes, he felt his face shroud in darkness.
You're making your stance very clear, old man.
"We have an agreement with the surrounding kingdoms and it will stand.''
''Again, your majesty, if we play things right it would be beneficial.''
''You know as well as I do that it would not be.
Three kingdoms surround us in three different directions. With all those, we have an agreement that needs to be renewed every ten years.
You all are aware yes?''
Frankly passing over the nods of agreement he continued.
''If we take over or in some other way meddle in the business of even one kingdom the others would see us as unreliable and would have a reason for war.
I won't risk turning a potentially civil war into the destruction of my people and kingdom!''
A few visibly noted the choice of words but they never voiced anything.
"It won't matter if we are the first to act!"
"Lord Hawkings, so if I understand this correctly then the live of those spies means nothing because they are lower in status, lower than mine.''
''Their whole existence is to be of service, is to be of use.''
''You all seem to have the illusion of a voice in this matter!
But none of you do, what matters most right now is the people.
My people, the one's I need to protect, not cast them off to die one by one in a war that was caused by greedy old men."
"Your majesty,that's uncalled for.''
"You are right, forgive my negligence.
Greedy old men and women.''
Everyone was holding their breath, weary as sweat from nervousness trickled down their napes. The tension high in the surroundings, weaving with the scent of a fire burning wildly.
''The moment I will actively start a war is when you will serve in it Lord Hawkings and everyone else that incites one! Willingly or not.
Do you understand me?!''
''Forgive us, your majesty!''
''I didn't ask for that! I asked if you understood me!''
''Yes, your majesty.''
The surroundings had grown even more stifling as they gulped, fingers clenched upon each other.
''We have much to discuss.''
Air cleared up as discussions were brought up and finished without much of a hindrance and finally Acacius felt like he could breathe as the ending came near.
''Let's end this meeting for now, as I said I want to see immediate results and expect them all in detailed out in papers.''
More agreements, some filled ever so clearly with relief and a few with distinct unhappiness.
''Your majesty, about the Holy Kingdom."
And unlike Lord Hawkings they kept their damn feelings to themselves!
Curtly he nodded and it didn't take long before his ears met an onslaught.
''Letting the civil war happen without even considering doing anything is one thing but now also letting the matter of the Holy Kingdom go by as well?
It speaks of your inexperience, Your majesty."
''You dare..!''
He felt anger rise inside of him at the blatant disrespect yet forced it back down with a rapid breath, he wasn't the only one who reacted, pale features and shocked expressions had crossed most members. And as he glanced he could see a few discreetly covered smiles, followers with the same thoughts or just some that liked to keep at least some control in their own hands.
"Say what you said before again.''
Acacius had no need to say who he referred to but the young woman spoke up as intended.
"More and more people are joining the church, strengthening the Holy Kingdom as days pass. Groups of self named believers are trying to cross the oceans and preach to the other kingdoms.
For now there has been no confirmed sightings of them coming anywhere near our brothers."
With a pointed gaze he dared Lord Hawkings to keep talking and of course he did.
''You can't be sure that will keep being the case.''
"Which is why I ordered the guards to be held on tighter watch, on the oceans fronts and land.
Furthermore you clearly heard me order that all ships and their cargo must from now on be searched entirely. If any believer or even someone slightly connected to the Holy Kingdom is found to be on my lands they shall be brought in for questioning!
What else are you possibly expecting? If you want to volunteer to do everything on your own, you're more than welcome to do so."
"That would be unbecoming, your majesty. Besides, there are pressing matters in the foreseeable future. Have you thought of those things yet?"
What the elder was implying was clear and accordingly he closed his hands in fists, enraged embers burning in his hazel eyes as the tension shimmered in their heat. Nobody came in between his glare as the elder just merely smiled.
Middle aged as he was he dared to risk a lot and it didn't look like he was going to stop any time soon on his own accord.
"He was about nine when he left, was it this year he turns eighteen?''
Brown eyes clashed with opposing green as everyone tightly held their breath, it felt like time stood still as Acacius felt himself growing colder at the reminder of his time limit, there was still so much to do and time was only dwindling.
Mind was racing, thoughts and turmoils were going around in seconds but first he had to take care of this.
''Why don't we play a game? Servant bring in my sword.''
It wasn't any louder than need be, in fact he had spoken it so softly, so deadly that he was surprised the servant even heard.
Then again to be a spy you need to have very good hearing, something he obviously has as he came mere moments later with his sword in hand.
The first time he held it in his hands, he had felt powerful, heart beating wildly in his veins as he pulled it out. Unable to throw the scabbard on the floor, he had delicately laid it on the bed.
It's soft black colour with crossing red lines suited Acacius, the word Incommotus in proposito etched on it.
Sword itself was even more enchanting, fitting beautifully in his hands as if it had always belonged there. His muscles moved on it's own when he slashed left and right.
And while he had learned some mastery of the sword with Aethelstan, only now he felt whole with it.
Even his servant handled the sword with care as his eyes glinted in concern.
Pulling the sword out of it's scabbard with a woosh, he lifted it, letting it hit the sun coming from behind before putting it with a clang on the table.
Twirling tha scabbard out, he acted on his rashly formed plan.
''Unshakable in purpose." Tracing the words made everyone follow with their gaze.
"It's something I learned even before I could walk."
Disregarding he dropped it in the awaiting hands of his servant, who backed away to the wall, having not received an order to leave..
''Those words standing for purpose, not family, aren't just for show.
Now then why don't we move to another family, I understand you have one of your own.
It was a victory seeing the lord's eyes harden. ''This isn't of impo--''
''I say what is and isn't of importance! Three sons and even a beautiful daughter.
You must be truly blessed, if only it weren't for your wife dying in the process of giving you your only daughter.''
Acacius was glad he had researched deeper than the real one had time for and considering the amount of times the other bothered him he was right to do that.
''I remember hearing how she just looks like your deceased wife.''
The father in question was for once keeping his mouth shut.
"Now then on to the game!" His smile was vibrant, obvious by the uncomfortable shifts of his council members.
"Four sides of this table, four members of your family.
Your side shall stand for the firstborn, the one left from you your second and at your right your third.
And I will stand for the fourth, your precious and only daughter.
I'm sure I qualify for that position, right?"
Smiling sweetly, hands ticking on the wood in masked impatience, he was rather enjoying this all.
His first real evil moments, should he laugh evilly afterwards?
That's too much, right?
''Overqualify that position, your majesty, however I don't see what this has to do wit-'
"We were talking about family, weren't we?''
The old man finally submitted, realizing that maybe this time he had gone too far.
"Yes, your majesty."
"Good, now those sides shall decide who dies! Fun, right?''
Sharp inhales crossed the room, together with multiple shaky nods.
''Play with me, I want to play a game so play with me.''
Smiling upon the gulping silence Acacius continued, air now crackling with mirth. ''The thing here is I will twirl the sword and on whose side it stops will cause the designated child to die. Easy right?"
The reactions made it obvious that it was anything but easy, while his own mirth shone through, the air was now also clouded with compassion, a few unsure gazes and a twinch of desperation as Hawkings himself watched in silence.
Hand moved before the other could fill the atmosphere with treacherous words again, all could only watch the sword twirl, the table filled with enemies was stricken with concentration. Hands, arms, everything was carefully kept away from the twirling sword.
He was tempted to do the same, sword dangerously close to his ticking fingers and was only moving closer. But his own, well former owner, identity and personality wouldn't let him.
From the corner of his eyes he could see June, his servant and spy, watching with a clenched jaw. Without a doubt his eyes were filled with concern as he hawked at him.
Snorting, his short moment of humor of course made the members of his council rigid. He couldn't care less of the thoughts racing through their heads that he liked, enjoyed and felt powerful while deciding over a life that wasn't his yet was.
And to be honest he felt it, felt it coursing through his veins and overwhelmed him with it's sweet, tempting flavor.
Smirking in the greed he felt, his hand moved forward, sword stilling after seconds as his own precious blood dripped down it's tip. Much like his brother's blood had once before.
''Would you look at that?'' His voice was practically made of surprise but he was sure the undertone of glee wasn't hidden. Several members called out in worry, mouths moving as words slipped yet his eyes only watched Lord Hawking's reaction.
The way sweat dripped past his neckline, eyes narrowing even more then before and clenched hands that he hadn't even bothered to hide. Snake-like mouth opened and before he could even finish his attempt of your majesty Acacius cut him off with lust filled eyes.
"I heard she was beautiful, so beautiful that even my sister in law would lose out next to her.''
No one dared to move or give a reaction at the treacherous words, it didn't matter if she was locked up or had her title taken off her as a member of the royal family and mother of the true heir she deserved respect and he wasn't the only one aware of that.
Now that he was focusing more on everyone Acacius could see that Lord Hawkings wasn't the only one that had sweat decorating their brows or hands rubbing on the other in an attempt to ignore the growing unease under fragile skin.
Eyes landing on the young woman from before he grinned in a wolf-like way, giving her a one over, smirk growing at the blush that covered her rather divine features. She didn't bother to hide away, blush evident but her confidence shone through in her black eyes of death.
As it should, he liked the way she didn't falter, after all she must have worked hard to get here. Especially at her young age of twenty-five,no doubt she still met disdain so it was a good thing she stood tall and strong in her shoes.
Speaking slow, lust filled words he garnered all attention back to him.
''I will have a taste and afterwards when I have my fill I should bring her to you, incoherent from the pleasure browsing through her body, a body littered with marks of my love or my hate. Take your pick.''
Acacius hadn't taken it possible but the green eyes from the other almost transformed into slits with how much he was narrowing them in anger.
A true snake indeed.
''I'm sure she would tell you all about the way I ravished her over and over until she could no longer walk but unfortunately she wouldn't live to tell the tale as her blood would turn the pale floors a deep lush red. Her neck forever ripped away from her body as she joined her mother in death.''
Threat clear and obvious and Acacius could almost cackle as the stagnated tears of the father became visible, dripping one after the other down, passing his shaking arms and straight on shattered on the floor much like his daughter's body would do if he went on with this.