The growing conflict within Avalonia was reflected in the storm that raged outside Vincent's estate. With Reinhardt Blackthorne, Elise Ravenshade, and Lady Selene Nightveil constituting his newly formed council of allies, it was the ideal setting for Vincent as he sat in the grand hall of the Amsberg family. Together, they constituted the backbone of his plan to not only keep control of the family but also to ultimately crush any opposition to his ascent, particularly the impending threat posed by Arlen Stormrider.

"Your plan is bold, Your Highness," Reinhardt growled, his massive frame illuminating the entire room with a long shadow. His scarred face contorted into what could have been a smile. But what we really need is boldness. Arlen won't anticipate a shadowy onslaught."

With his fingers tapping the armrest, Vincent leaned back in his chair and considered all the options. "Arlen anticipates power. He's amassing an army in anticipation of a public showdown. He won't, however, be prepared for our assault on his coalitions. Before we ever clash with swords, we destroy his foundation."

Leaning forward, Selene Nightveil traced the rim of her glass with her pale fingers. She was a master of dark magic and the last scion of an old, feared house. "Arlen is dangerous because he carries the Sword of Dawn. However, you have used the Void Shard to neutralize that threat. But he still has his allies. His forces will disintegrate if we quietly take them out one at a time."

Her words caused Vincent's eyes to sparkle. "Exactly. We must ensure that he has no army with which to fight, rather than engaging in combat with it."

With her golden eyes focused, Elise Ravenshade fine-tuned the daggers fastened to her belt. And how would you suggest that we attack without attracting too much notice? His supporters are zealots. Take one life, and ten more could take his place."

Vincent grinned, a calculating, cold smile. "We'll not murder them. Not just yet, anyway. We'll make them oppose him."

There was a hush throughout the room. Curious, Reinhardt lifted a brow. "Make them oppose him? His followers essentially worship Arlen. How are you going to alter that?"

Vincent got up from his chair with a confident stance. With fresh rage, the storm outside the large windows roared as he strode toward them. They consider Arlen to be their savior and defender against oppression, which makes him a hero in their eyes. However, what occurs when a hero violates those principles?"

He faced his council once more. "We make up the evidence. Sow doubts. We take advantage of his flaws. We give the impression that Arlen has given up on them. Because loyalty is erratic, we can convince his supporters that he is no longer the hero they look up to, at which point they will turn against him."

Dimly, Reinhardt laughed. "Diabolical, but effective."

Selene became thoughtful in her voice. "I have the ability to create illusions, so realistic that people will swear Arlen has been tainted. We must make sure it is subdued; before the illusion occurs, disseminate rumors and whisper in the appropriate ears."

Vincent gave a nod of approval to the plan. "And I know just where to start."

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Arlen's loyalists were assembling in the Southern Territories, which had long served as a haven for insurrection. Vincent noticed indications of unrest as his carriage got closer to the camp's perimeter. In the distance, bonfires flickered, and banners adorned with Arlen's crest billowed with the breeze.

Under the cover of darkness, Vincent dismounted from the carriage and approached the camp, his cloak billowing behind him. Elise followed him into the shadows, her thin figure hardly discernible as they made their way around the camp. The scheme was under way.

The two made their way into a nearby tent occupied by Commander Volkran, Arlen's most reliable lieutenant. Despite being one of Arlen's most ardent supporters, the man was also ambitious and hungry for power. Vincent was adept at taking advantage of that.

The sound of quill scratching against parchment reverberated throughout the tent. Volkran was bent over a map, indicating possible routes for Arlen's army to take. With an instinctive reach for his sword, he looked up at the unexpected visitors.

Vincent raised a hand, his voice calm and composed. "No need for violence, Commander. I've come with an offer that will interest you."

Volkran's eyes narrowed, but he did not draw his weapon. "What offer? And why should I listen to you, Crown Prince?"

Vincent stepped closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Because I know something about Arlen that you don't."

The commander frowned, his curiosity piqued despite himself. "Speak."

Vincent let the silence stretch for a moment before continuing. "Arlen has a weakness. He's been withholding certain… information from you and his followers. You believe him to be a hero, but the truth is far more complicated."

Elise, who had said nothing up to this point, slid forward and pulled a fake document out of her purse. "We managed to snag this. It's a correspondence between Arlen and a faction within the kingdom. Behind your backs, he has been working to bring the Amsberg family to peace."

Volkran grabbed the paper, his eyes expanding as he read the words. His expression twisted with shock. This is not possible. Arlen would never—"

"Wouldn't he?" Vincent entered the scene with ease. "He is a brave man. Yes, a man of peace? He's trying to find a way to diffuse the situation before it escalates. But Volkran, where does that leave you? What becomes of the soldiers who still have faith in him?

The commander began to show signs of increasing skepticism. "He wouldn't abandon us… would he?"

With a low but convincing voice, Vincent leaned in closer. "Arlen aspires to save everybody. However, heroes such as him frequently overlook those who defend them. He'll discard you when it fits his peaceful ideals. You will be disregarded."

The sound of the howling wind outside filled the tent for a moment. Volkran clenched his teeth as he gazed at the paper. Just as Vincent had planned, doubt was already beginning to seep into his thoughts.

Volkran shuffled, "I need to think," his voice unsure.

Knowing that the seed of betrayal had been sown, Vincent grinned. "Commander, take your time. But keep in mind that Arlen won't hesitate to leave you behind if he decides he no longer needs you."

And with that, Volkran was left alone with his thoughts as Vincent and Elise disappeared back into the shadows.

Vincent got together with his allies again at the villa. Rumors were circulating, and reports from the southern territories had already arrived. Rumors of treachery were spreading among Arlen's army, causing unease.

Selene smiled; she had been using her magic to keep an eye on things. It's functioning. Volkran is already doubting Arlen's ability to lead. The other commanders will come after soon."

Vincent had a hard, fixed gaze. "All right. When the time comes, Arlen will have to deal with both my strength and his own collapsing foundation."

With a laugh, Reinhardt lifted a glass. "To victory, then."

Vincent had a sardonic, icy smile. "To the fall of a hero."

Vincent sensed that fortune was turning to his advantage as the storm outside continued to rage. The stage was almost ready. His adversaries' confidence in their hero was eroding as the alliances were formed. Arlen Stormrider was about to fall, and with him, the last of the resistance to the Amsberg name.

Vincent was not going to stop at just beating Arlen. He would crush him to such a degree that no one would ever again doubt his authority to rule.