Lord of Deception

Kael stood at the highest balcony of the imperial palace, gazing over the vast empire that now stood at the precipice of war. The cold night wind brushed against his face, yet his expression remained unreadable. The Frostveil Highlands. A place of ice, rebellion, and blood-soaked history. And now, it would become his battlefield.

Behind him, a presence approached. He did not need to turn to know who it was.

Empress Selene.

"You're leaving at dawn." Her voice was smooth, but Kael detected the slight edge in it—curiosity, perhaps even something more.

"Yes," he replied. "The empire has a mess to clean up."

Selene stepped beside him, her violet eyes flickering with an unknown emotion. "You make it sound so simple."

Kael smirked. "It is."

Selene studied him for a moment before speaking again. "You make enemies with every move you make, Kael. Duke Alvar will not stand idly by and watch you rise."

Kael chuckled. "He already knows he lost the moment I entered that chamber. He's just trying to minimize the damage."

Selene raised an eyebrow. "And if he moves against you while you are at the Frostveil Highlands?"

Kael turned fully toward her now, his smirk vanishing. "Then I hope he does. It will save me the trouble of hunting him down later."

A moment of silence passed between them. Then, to his surprise, Selene laughed.

"You're dangerous, Kael."

"You already knew that."

Selene's gaze lingered on him for a fraction longer than necessary. Then, she turned away. "Your departure is set. A force of ten thousand soldiers will accompany you."

Kael nodded. "It will be enough."

Selene gave him one final glance before walking away. "Do not disappoint me."

Kael watched her leave, then turned back toward the city. The empire was changing. And he would be the one to shape it.

The next morning, Kael stood at the imperial gates. Rows of disciplined soldiers stood ready, their armor glistening under the morning sun. The banners of the empire fluttered in the wind, and warhorses snorted restlessly.

Among the gathered figures, a few stood out.

General Varian, a grizzled veteran with a reputation for his unbreakable battlefield strategies.

Lady Saria, a mysterious warrior from the southern isles, her twin daggers sheathed at her waist, her piercing gaze betraying nothing.

Elder Magnus, a scholar and tactician, trusted by the imperial court to oversee battle logistics.

Kael scanned the faces of his assembled forces. Loyal, efficient, and deadly. But among them… there would be spies.

Good.

Let them watch. Let them report. And when the time comes, let them burn.

Kael mounted his black warhorse and raised his hand.

"We march."

The gates of the imperial city swung open.

And with it, Kael's war began.

To be continued.....