Now, Aiden sat at his desk, reviewing a map of the kingdom and marking each city that had fallen under his influence. His mind whirred with possibilities, envisioning the next steps they would need to secure Lirael's ascension to the throne. His maids, loyal and resourceful, each managed their cities in ways that guaranteed the people's allegiance when the time was right.
The air in his chamber was still, but his thoughts were anything but calm. Aiden's ambitions were no longer bound by the kingdom's borders; he was already envisioning a future empire, one that would rise from the ashes of the old regime and spread across realms.
Aiden's then called his maids ad within half an hour they were here, ready to answer whatever question he has in mind.
