Father and Son
The early morning light filtered through the tall windows of the Windsor Estate, casting soft shadows across the grand study where Hugo Wilde stood in quiet contemplation. The estate, with its sprawling lands and opulent halls, had long been the seat of the Wilde family's power, but Hugo's ambitions stretched far beyond these walls. His gaze was distant, fixed not on the verdant hills outside but on the intricate plans unfolding in the kingdom of Ustaria.
The question of succession had consumed the royal court for months now, but Hugo had always been patient. While the Pennington siblings—Harris, David, Ruby, and Lilliana—fought for dominance, Hugo remained in the shadows, weaving his web of influence. His strategy was complex, his goals clear: the throne of Ustaria was within his grasp, but only if the pieces fell into place at the right moment.
A soft knock at the door broke the silence, and without turning, Hugo called out, "Enter."
The door creaked open, and Elliot Wilde, his son and heir, stepped inside, the familiar air of casual confidence hanging around him. Elliot, with his easy smile and charm, was the face Hugo had presented to the court—an unassuming nobleman who seemed more interested in frivolity than in the dangerous game of succession.
"You called for me, Father?" Elliot asked, his voice respectful but informal as he approached.
Hugo finally turned, his sharp eyes meeting his son's gaze. "I did. We have much to discuss, Elliot. The time for careful maneuvering is drawing to a close."
Elliot raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading as he took a seat near the fireplace. "So, we're moving into the endgame? I thought we were biding our time."
"We have been," Hugo replied, his voice calm but commanding. "But events in the capital are shifting faster than expected. The Penningtons are making their moves, and we must be prepared to act when the opportunity arises. Harris, Ruby, and even David are positioning themselves, but none of them sees the full picture. And Lilliana... well, she's still in the shadows, as always."
Elliot leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. "And what's my role in all this, Father? Keep playing the charming fool, or is there something more you need me to do?"
Hugo's gaze darkened slightly, his voice lowering. "For now, you'll continue as you have—unassuming, likable, harmless. But soon, you'll need to start moving more carefully. Duke Findlay Windsor has been meeting with Lilliana, and while I believe Lilliana remains uninterested in the throne—at least publicly—Findlay could become a problem if he aligns with her too closely."
Elliot frowned, his expression turning more serious. "And what of Harris and David?"
"Harris is consolidating military power," Hugo said, moving to the map of Ustaria that hung on the far wall. "He's a blunt instrument, but an effective one. We'll have to be careful not to provoke him too soon. As for David... his recklessness will destroy him eventually. He's too volatile, too careless. Let him continue his self-destruction."
Elliot nodded, though a trace of doubt lingered in his eyes. "And Ruby?"
Hugo's lips pressed into a thin line. "Ruby has been rallying the lower nobles, appealing to their sense of morality and duty. She's a stronger player than most realize, but she lacks the ruthlessness necessary to win this game. Still, we can't underestimate her."
Elliot considered his father's words for a moment before speaking. "So, we wait. We let them fight it out, and then we step in when the time is right."
Hugo's eyes gleamed. "Exactly. When the dust settles, you'll be perfectly positioned to take the crown."
---
Louisa's Return
Later that afternoon, Louisa Wilde returned to the Windsor Estate after her trip to the capital. Dressed in her riding habit, she moved with the grace and poise that had long set her apart at court. Her marriage into the Harkwell family had given her status and influence, but Louisa's loyalty had always been to her father and his grand ambitions. She was a critical part of his plans, her keen mind and sharp wit making her a valuable ally in navigating the complexities of the court.
As Louisa stepped into the grand foyer, a servant greeted her and took her cloak, bowing respectfully as they informed her that Hugo awaited her in his study. Louisa nodded, her expression calm, though her thoughts raced. The court had been alive with rumors, and she had much to report.
She moved swiftly through the estate, her boots clicking softly against the polished floors as she made her way to her father's study. When she reached the door, she paused briefly, gathering her thoughts, before knocking lightly.
"Enter," came Hugo's familiar voice from within.
Louisa pushed open the door and stepped inside, her eyes immediately finding her father. He was standing by the large map of Ustaria that dominated one wall, his hands clasped behind his back as he surveyed the kingdom. It was a familiar scene—one that Louisa had witnessed countless times growing up. Hugo Wilde was always strategizing, always planning.
"Father," Louisa greeted him, her tone warm but businesslike. "I've returned from the capital."
Hugo turned to face her, offering her a rare smile. "Louisa. I trust your journey was productive?"
Louisa inclined her head, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of pride and determination. "Very. The capital is a hive of activity. Everyone is talking about the Penningtons—Harris is making more overt moves to secure his claim, and Ruby has been busy rallying the lower nobles. David, as expected, continues to be a liability, though his connection to King Harley remains strong."
Hugo's expression darkened at the mention of David. "He's a danger, but not in the way he thinks. David is too reckless to be a true threat to us, but we must be careful. His unpredictability could cause problems in the court."
Louisa nodded in agreement, her brow furrowing. "I've heard whispers that several noblewomen are beginning to speak out about David's behavior. His father's protection has kept him shielded so far, but if Harley's health continues to decline, David may find himself without the protection he's grown accustomed to."
Hugo's lips thinned. "And what of Lilliana? She's been quiet, but that doesn't mean she's inactive."
Louisa's gaze sharpened at the mention of Lilliana. "You were right to suspect her movements. She's been meeting regularly with Duke Findlay Windsor, though no one seems to know the full extent of their discussions. On the surface, Lilliana appears disinterested in the throne, but I believe she's biding her time."
Hugo's eyes flickered with approval. "Lilliana is the most dangerous of Harley's children, not because of her ambition but because of her patience. She'll wait until the others have exhausted themselves before she makes her move. We must stay ahead of her."
Louisa nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I agree. We can't let her slip under the radar."
Hugo returned to the map, his mind already working through the implications of Louisa's report. "Harris will push forward with brute force, and Ruby will try to win hearts and minds. But Lilliana is the one we must watch carefully. Let them all fight among themselves for now. When the time comes, we'll be ready."
Louisa stood silently for a moment, studying her father. Hugo had always been a step ahead of everyone else, and his plans were meticulous. But there was something about this moment—something about the way the pieces were falling into place—that made her realize just how close they were to achieving their goal.
"And Elliot?" Louisa asked, her voice careful. "He's still... unassuming?"
Hugo chuckled softly. "Yes. For now, Elliot plays his role perfectly. The court sees him as nothing more than a charming nobleman, someone too likable to pose a real threat. But when the time comes, he'll be ready to take his place."
Louisa smiled, satisfied. "Then we're in a strong position."
"We are," Hugo said, his voice filled with quiet confidence. "But we must remain vigilant. The Penningtons are fighting for a throne they don't yet realize is slipping out of their grasp. Soon, Louisa. Soon, the throne of Ustaria will be ours."
---
A Father's Ambition
As the conversation shifted, Louisa took a seat across from her father, allowing herself a moment to relax. She had spent years playing her own part in Hugo's plans, navigating her marriage to Lord Harkwell and managing the delicate balance between her duties to her husband's family and her loyalty to her father.
But Louisa had always known where her true loyalties lay. She had married for power, for influence, and for the ability to move through the upper echelons of Ustaria's nobility with ease. But her heart had always remained in Windsor, at the center of Hugo's carefully crafted schemes.
"You've done well," Hugo said, his tone softer now, as though speaking to his daughter rather than his co-conspirator. "Your work in the capital has been invaluable."
Louisa smiled at the rare praise, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Thank you, Father. I've learned from the best."
Hugo's expression remained unreadable, but there was a hint of pride in his voice when he spoke. "We're on the verge of something great, Louisa. Everything we've worked for is coming to fruition."
Louisa nodded, her gaze steady. "And when the time comes, we'll be ready."
Hugo's eyes darkened with determination as he looked back at the map. "Indeed. The Penningtons will tear themselves apart. And when they do, the throne of Ustaria will be ours."