The Empress's private salon rang with the sound of shattering crystal as Lyanna swept an ornate wine decanter from a nearby table. Her usual composure had cracked, revealing the steel beneath.
"Every moment we hesitate weakens the empire!" she declared, her voice carrying the authority she'd cultivated over years of military command. "The noble houses grow restless, the border provinces whisper of a potential for future independence, and we do nothing!"
"Patience, daughter," Empress Camilla replied, her own voice carefully controlled. "Your father's disappearance-"
"Is precisely why we must act now!" Lyanna's fist struck the polished surface of her mother's writing desk. "The empire needs strength. It needs certainty. It needs me!"
The Empress studied her daughter's face, noting the familiar fire in her eyes. "And what of the investigation? What of the questions that remain unanswered?"
"Questions?" Lyanna laughed bitterly. "The only question that matters is who will lead. I am Crown Princess. I am undefeated in battle. The military supports me, the noble houses fear me, and the common people already whisper that I am my father's true heir."
"You forget yourself," the Empress's voice turned cold. "I am still Empress Regent. The succession-"
"The succession is mine by right!" Lyanna's roar would have cowed lesser nobles. "Every day we delay is another day our enemies gather strength. The Dragon Scale Mountains stir with strange powers, the Elven Kingdom watches our family for signs of weakness, and the Dwarven Holds are considering withholding their tributes. We need action, not more investigation!"
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit chamber deep within the palace, Wei the Unbreakable paced like a caged dragon. His massive frame radiated fury as he studied the wall of evidence before him.
Thirty years of service, three decades of perfect, unbreakable defence - and now this. The shame of it burned in his gut like molten iron.
"It makes no sense," he growled, his voice carrying the weight of his wounded pride. "Twelve legions I've commanded. Armies have broken against my Adamant Shield. Demons fled before my name. And now?" He gestured sharply at the tracking diagrams covering the wall. "Now I'm reduced to chasing shadows while that silk-robed viper of an Empress questions my honour before the entire court!"
Commander Lin watched her superior carefully. In twenty years of service, she'd never seen him so affected. "The evidence suggests-"
"The evidence suggests nothing!" Wei's fist struck the wall, sending magical tracking diagrams fluttering. "House Draconus is too obvious a target. I've known Duke Draconus for thirty years. Fought beside him in the Northern Campaign. That man's honour is as unbreakable as my shields were supposed to be." The last words carried a bitter edge.
A guard entered, bowing deeply. "My lord, we've found something. One of the High Priest's cousins-- his servant."
"Take me to him!" shouted Wei.
In an adjoining chamber, a servant knelt on the floor, magical bindings ensuring his cooperation. His eyes remained fixed on the ground, body tense with fear.
"Your name?" Wei demanded.
"Castor, my lord." The servant's voice barely carried. "I serve the Livingstone household."
"The High Priest's cousin," Wei nodded. "Tell me about High Preist Darius's recent visits."
Castor's jaw moved silently for a moment. "My lord, I... a servant shouldn't speak of their master's affairs."
Wei's patience, already worn thin by recent events, snapped. "Your master's affairs involve the disappearance of the Emperor himself! Speak, or I'll have you charged with obstruction of an imperial investigation!"
The servant flinched. "The High Priest... he visits often. Usually late."
"And?"
"Last week..." Castor swallowed hard. "He was drunk. Arguing with Master Livingstone."
Wei waited, his massive frame looming over the kneeling servant. Finally, Castor continued each word seeming to cost him physical pain.
"Master Livingstone wanted more payment for something. The High Priest grew angry, said they'd already been paid enough for 'smashing a cup.' Then he mentioned the Empress's gratitude..." Castor's voice trailed off.
"A cup?" Commander Lin stepped forward. "What cup?"
"I don't know, my lord!" Castor's composure cracked. "Please, I was only cleaning. Master Livingstone saw me and sent me away. I heard nothing else, I swear by all the gods!"
Wei exchanged glances with Lin. Something tugged at his memory - a detail from his knowledge of the ceremonies that come after the Rite of Imperial Ascendancy… the ceremonial chalice...
"Leave us," he commanded. Once alone with Lin, he began to pace again. "The chalice used in the ceremony after the duel. We have a lead."
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Back in the Empress's private salon, Lyanna's ambition blazed ever hotter. "The coronation must proceed," she insisted. "The empire cannot appear weak. Not now. Not ever."
"And if your father returns?" the Empress asked softly. "What then?"
Lyanna's smile was sharp as a blade. "Then he can witness the strength of the empire he built. But we both know, Mother - he's not coming back. The only question is: will you support my claim, or must I take the throne without your blessing?"
The Empress's face hardened. "You would dare? Without proof of your father's death, without proper succession rites?"
"I would dare anything for the empire," Lyanna declared.
"You sound so certain," the Empress observed. "So sure of your power. But you forget - I taught you everything you know about wielding authority. Not everything I know."