The empress's voice cut through the tense silence that filled the throne room, her gaze fixed on Lord Vritinius as she spoke. "When was this letter written and sent?" she inquired, her tone betraying her curiosity. The lord turned the letter over in his hands, studying its every crease and fold before answering with a respectful bow. "Three days ago, your grace," he replied, his eyes never leaving the empress's piercing stare.

A thoughtful pause followed before the empress shifted her focus to the assembled nobles, her voice now commanding the attention of the entire room. "And how long until they amass sufficient numbers to march south?" she questioned, her eyes scanning each face for an answer.

Marcellus, ever the pragmatic one, was quick to offer a response. "It would take at least half a month to gather the necessary forces, followed by another week and a half to reach the southern territories," he estimated, his words punctuated by the rhythmic tapping of the empress's fingers against the table.She was nervous , the consequences were reaching to her.

"Not more than a month then," she mused aloud, her mind already racing with thoughts of strategy and potential outcomes. But then, a sudden thought crossed her mind. "Any news of Prince Maesinius?" she directed her question towards Lord Vritinius once again.

His response was solemn as he shook his head. "None, your grace. But it is likely that preparations are already underway in the north as well. The northern lords have shown a clear preference for the eldest prince," he informed, his words underscoring the brewing tensions within the realm.

Lord Croxiatus interjected with a gruff remark, his jowls wobbling with each word. "A disloyal bunch, those northern lords," he muttered bitterly, his disdain evident in both his words and expression.

Amidst murmurs of agreement, Lord Isidor offered a strategic perspective, he knew better than to please the red woman , they had a war to win , not a whore to bed

"If we fortify the mountain passes, it may force the two princes into conflict. Mavius will be reluctant to leave hostile forces at his rear as he seeks to bypass our defenses. After all, the last thing he would want is to have his rear attacked while besieging our fortresses,maybe the two brothers will bleed each other before they come to us, if the gods allow for that. " he reasoned, injecting a glimmer of hope into the tense atmosphere of the throne room.

She found herself silently praying "Please, Mother, let them kill each other." She took a deep breath and quickly gave instructions, she was the empress, while she may ask for the god's favor, she had to make it on her own .Only a fool would let his fate be decided by the whims of the above.

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"Lord Marcellus, send word to the lords to gather their troops," she commanded, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "And those stationed near the Finger, strengthen our defenses. Let them know that great rewards await those who fight in defense of their emperor," she continued, her words shining like a beacon of hope amidst the impending darkness. "Remind them that reinforcements are on their way, but until then, they must hold their ground and secure all passes against the enemy's advance.Promise them that they would receive title and lands for standing with the emperor and for the emperor "

Lord Marcellus nodded in acknowledgment, "Of course, Your Grace. Your orders are wise indeed," he affirmed

"As the second prince approaches our borders, he will find our defenses impenetrable. He will have no choice but to send his forces to their doom or wait for winter's cruel embrace before considering retreat.Either starvation or send his men to a meat grinder " Lord Isidor interjected, offering his opinion on the matter.

Empress Valeria nodded stoically at his words, but inwardly she felt proud of herself. Was this not proof of her capabilities? If only her father had given her swords and shields instead of dolls to play with, she would have vanquished Gratios easily.

"The fate of the empire rests in our hands," she added solemnly. "We must do everything we can to protect him." With a final nod, the empress ended the meeting and gracefully exited the room, followed by her retinue. Only Lord Marcellus and Lord Vritinius remained behind, exchanging a silent understanding through their locked gazes. Both men rose from their seats, but neither made a move

"I suppose we each have our tasks to attend to, Lord Marcellus," Vritinius remarked, sensing the curiosity flickering in Marcellus's eyes.

"Indeed," Marcellus agreed with a small smile. "War looms on the horizon, and each of us will have our role to play in .I am sure that the emperor will rest easier knowing he has such a dedicated vassal as yourself in his service," Marcellus praised, returning the smile with equal measure.

"You flatter me, Lord Marcellus"he replied modestly, though a flicker of pride danced in his eyes. "But your loyalty to the empress is equally admirable."

"I've noticed you've made considerable investments to enhance your services to the empire as of late, just like a good servant should, you truly are a model for all of us. "

''A loyal servant should always strive for more, especially when fate extends his hands to help him .The Isidors may give their gold to the coffers, the Thalassoses warriors, so shouldn't the Baxs try to thrive in their own way? There were so many loyal servants of the empire searching for a tree to hug during the storm as of late , and luckily for them, a great oak was already waiting for them.Poor they were as their old tree disappeared in the storm. ''

''I see, then we should be thanking you .Who knew when we could have got such information?How fortunate is the emperor to have a servant like you .Though I do wonder where the tree went , such pity we do not know. ''

"Knowledge is indeed power," Marcellus agreed, his gaze shifting to the window, where the gathering clouds hinted at the approaching storm. "But I wonder how effective it will be against the swords poised to breach our defenses. After all, is knowledge not most potent when shared among wise minds?"

Vritinius gave no answer just kept his smile, then he tilted his head , studying the man in front of him

''I suppose that would be true, I would appreciate having somebody to share long discussions with.I find myself alone by the late time ''

''That I do too, my lord.Perhaps such people are closer than one would think. We should be good and open our eyes a bit, of course to be of better service to the emperor. ''