Chapter 12: Lord Marshal is a hypocrite
Previously~
Within the Church, the Cardinal remained seated, his eyes watching the procession through the tall windows that framed the view. His lips curled into a satisfied, almost imperceptible smile. The plan was set in motion. The Duchies would soon be thrown into chaos, and with the power of the Templars at his back, the Cardinal would move one step closer to his ultimate goal: total control over the Empire.
The fate of the heretics was sealed. And there would be no mercy for those who stood against the divine will of Aerithar.
—----------------------------------------------------
Date- 30th, Month of Frostborn, 2012 A.G.
Location – Rugard Palace, Leonhart Duchy
The cold wind swept through the empty halls of the palace like a whisper of the storm to come. Sophie stood in the study, the fire crackling low behind her. The scent of wax and parchment hung in the air. Alexander was gone. Only the weight of his departure remained.
She stared at the desk—his desk. Left almost too neatly. Nothing out of place, except...
A corner of a hidden drawer was slightly ajar. Odd. Alexander never left things undone.
With hesitant fingers, she pulled it open.
Inside lay a collection of sealed letters. Some addressed to dukes. Others... to the emperor himself. But one bore her name, hastily written, as if he'd decided to leave it at the very last moment.