It was about moving pieces on a grander scale, shaping the future in ways that others couldn't even begin to fathom.
He had always been careful, strategic in how he expanded his influence.
Thane had played the long game, building alliances, weaving webs of loyalty and obligation that were as strong as steel.
But even with all he had achieved, it was still not enough.
He had tasted power, and now, he craved more.
And then, the perfect opportunity had presented itself to him.
It was subtle at first, a mere whisper on the wind, a shift in the air that only someone as perceptive as Thane could notice.
The Duke had given birth to a son, but the boy was anything but what the Duke had hoped for.
From an early age, it was clear that the child lacked the qualities necessary to carry on his father's legacy.
He was weak, incapable of defending himself, let alone leading an entire duchy.
