Chapter 11: Marquess Alan of the Empire
POV: Marquess Alan
The study in Castle Belvar, my seat of power in the Empire's borderlands, was cold despite the roaring fire in the hearth. The room was dimly lit, a single chandelier casting flickering shadows across the towering shelves of books and maps. A goblet of wine sat untouched on my desk as I leaned over a map of the northern territories. The delicate balance of power that had once ensured the Empire's dominance was shifting—and not in our favor.
The report lay open beside the map, its contents both alarming and infuriating. The young prince of Norte, Alaric, had survived the assassination attempt. Worse, his display of power was said to have been extraordinary, his mana radiating with divine energy. The boy had been marked by the Creator and now carried a growing reputation as the Chosen One.
"It's a problem," I muttered, tapping the edge of the report with one gloved finger.
"It's more than a problem, Marquess," replied Sir Davon, my trusted lieutenant. He stood across the desk, his expression grim. "If this boy reaches his potential, the balance of power in the north will shift. Norte will become a beacon, rallying the fractured states against us."
I nodded, my jaw tightening. The Empire was already stretched thin. Our war with the Southern Alliance consumed resources and manpower at an alarming rate. The Kingdom of Lumina, the Grand Wizard's Kingdom, and their allies in the southern states were proving to be formidable opponents. With each passing day, the war drew closer to the borders of the heartland.
And now this. A boy in the north, barely old enough to hold a sword, had the potential to unite kingdoms against us.
"The assassination attempt was supposed to be clean," I said, my voice cold. "No witnesses, no evidence. Yet not only did they fail, but they revealed our intentions to Norte. That is unacceptable."
Sir Davon hesitated before speaking. "The assassins underestimated him. The reports indicate he tapped into a power beyond ordinary mana. Something… divine."
I scoffed, though unease prickled at the edge of my mind. "Divine or not, he's still just a child. The problem isn't what he is now—it's what he could become. A rallying point for the northern kingdoms. A unifier."
"Then we must act swiftly," Davon suggested. "Send another team, one more capable—"
"No," I interrupted sharply. "Another failed attempt would risk open war with Norte, and the emperor has made it clear we cannot afford that. Not while we're engaged in the south. The balance is precarious enough without adding a northern front."
I stepped away from the desk, pacing slowly as I considered the situation. The Empire's strength had always relied on its ability to divide and conquer. A united northern alliance would be catastrophic.
"If we cannot eliminate the boy directly, we must weaken the kingdom that protects him," I said finally, turning back to Davon.
He frowned. "You mean to destabilize Norte?"
"Precisely," I replied. "Norte is not as strong as it appears. It has its weaknesses—greedy nobles, discontented merchants, and an overstretched army. If we exploit those cracks, the kingdom will collapse from within. With their attention turned to internal conflict, they won't have the resources to nurture their 'Chosen One.'"
---
My plan began to take shape as I spoke. "The nobles of Norte are not all loyal to the crown. Many resent the taxes imposed to maintain their defenses. Others envy the royal family's wealth and power. We'll reach out to them, offer them incentives—gold, land, titles. Enough to sow division."
"And what of the merchants?" Davon asked.
"They're already unhappy with the disruptions to trade caused by the Empire's skirmishes in the region. We'll encourage that discontent, using it to ignite dissent. Perhaps even instigate protests or strikes in the capital. A kingdom divided cannot focus on raising a future king."
Davon hesitated. "It's a bold plan, Marquess. But risky. If Norte discovers our involvement…"
"They won't," I said curtly. "We'll operate through intermediaries—trusted agents who have no direct ties to the Empire. And if they're discovered, they'll be disavowed."
Davon nodded slowly, though I could see the doubt lingering in his eyes. "And what of the boy?"
I returned to the desk, my gaze falling on the map. My finger traced the border between the Empire and the Grand Duchy of Carlos, then up to Norte.
"He's young," I said. "The influence of the Creator's mark will take time to mature. By the time he's ready to pose a real threat, Norte will be too weak to protect him. And if the kingdom falls…"
I let the sentence hang in the air, its implication clear. Without a united Norte, Alaric would be vulnerable.
---
As I detailed my plan, a knock at the door interrupted us. A servant entered, bowing deeply. "Marquess, the envoys from Carlos have arrived."
"Good," I said, waving the servant off. "See them to the council chamber. I'll join them shortly."
The Grand Duchy of Carlos was critical to this plan. Its position as a trade hub made it a valuable ally—or a dangerous enemy. The Duke of Carlos had maintained a cautious neutrality, but I knew he could be persuaded.
"Come," I said to Davon, striding toward the door. "It's time to begin."
---
The council chamber was a grand room, its high ceilings adorned with banners bearing the sigil of my house—a crimson eagle clutching a sword. The envoys from Carlos stood near the center, their expressions guarded but respectful.
"Welcome," I said, my voice measured. "The Empire values its relationship with the Grand Duchy. I trust your journey was uneventful?"
The lead envoy, a thin man with sharp features, nodded. "It was. And we are eager to hear how we might continue to benefit from our partnership."
I smiled, though it didn't reach my eyes. "I have a proposition. One that will strengthen the ties between Carlos and the Empire while ensuring stability in the northern regions."
---
As I outlined my plans to the envoys, the pieces began to fall into place. The Empire couldn't afford to confront Norte directly, but it didn't need to. With the right pressure points, the kingdom could be weakened, its alliances fractured, and its people turned against their rulers.
And as for the boy? He would be left without a kingdom to protect him.
The fire crackled softly in the hearth as I concluded the meeting, the envoys nodding their agreement.
"We'll contact you with the details," I said, standing to dismiss them.
As they left, I turned to Davon, who remained silent but watchful.
"This is just the beginning," I said, my voice low. "The boy may have the Creator's mark, but he is not untouchable. Every kingdom has its weaknesses. And I intend to exploit them all."
(Continue...)