What are you talking about?’’ A man lying on a sofa-chair, asked as he raised his hand, signalling for the two girls to stop feeding him grapes

‘‘I fear you have heard me correctly your grace’’ Duke Landoff spoke as he lightly bowed ‘‘My deepest condolences over your father’s demise, he was a strong and pious leader.The empire shall never see a ruler like him’’.

‘‘Yes that is unfortunate may he be rewarded by the gods, but are you sure about the latter part?’’ Mavius asked as he rose from his seat and approached his host. For two years he had been welcomed by the duke as guest , and he found the lavish and elegant way of the eastern part of the empire to his great taste. But now that same duke that shared with him wines, and sometimes girls, brought news of his father’s demise, and his younger brother ascending to the throne.

The prince was everything but his father, while Gratios Koutozokenes was a strong , martial and lavish-hater emperor. His son was instead the opposite, while his father was a warrior, he was a slacker. Not to say he was a fool, on the contrary he was extremely intelligent , yet he was also lazy. Preferring to sleep, dine and fuck rather than study, battle or rule.

And while his older brother was fostered in the snow, he was instead welcomed by olive trees and camps of grains.As he heard of his father’s death, Mavius waited a few instants but did not feel anything. The emperor was many things, but a loving father?Certainly not. He believed to be talking for all of his brothers, when he says that no love was between father and sons .

"What the hell is that red bitch thinking?" he muttered to himself, referring to his stepmother, the Empress. He couldn't decide which was more shocking: his younger brother's usurpation of the throne or the reinstatement of the Council of the 200. "She surely has a knack for screwing things up. The moment she shows weakness, she'll be devoured. She should have stopped at opening her legs for father," he thought bitterly as he draped a towel over his naked body.

The duke turned his head, catching Mavius's smirk. The prince chuckled in his mind , ‘Nothing you haven't seen before my dear duke ‘.

He covered himself.

"Your Grace, may I ask what you wish to do now?" the duke inquired, his fingers absentmindedly twirling his black moustache.

Mavius considered the question, his mind already formulating plans. "First, I need to gather information," he replied calmly. "Find out who supported my brother's claim in the south and who opposes it. Then, we'll see where our alliances lie."

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The duke nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Of course, Your Grace. I shall begin immediately."

''Do we have any information on my brother's whereabouts?" Mavius inquired, his tone betraying a hint of curiosity mixed with calculated interest.

"He must be in the capital, sitting upon your rightful throne, my prince," the duke responded promptly, his demeanor respectful yet tinged with a subtle undertone of caution.

Internally, Mavius couldn't help but chuckle at the ease of it.

‘Seems like people are quick to forget I have an older sibling. Not that I would complain,’ he mused silently, his lips curving into a sardonic smile.

"I'm not referring to the brat, he is hardly a threat . He is probably sucking on the red's bich teat as we speak " Mavius clarified, his gaze piercing. "I'm asking about my older brother. Is he still up north, freezing his balls off and frolicking in the snow?Last I checked he found himself to be hardly in discomfort there. Maybe the daughter of his host is warming up his bed"

The duke's expression shifted slightly, betraying a hint of concern. "From our latest reports, it appears he remains in the north. However, his movements are unclear, and there are whispers that he may be mustering an army to march south."

"Rumors or information?'' He asked the duke .

''Rumors '' he clarified

''Well it was a give. My brother with An army? Made of what?" Mavius scoffed derisively. "Snow-men and goats? Last I checked, the north was as barren as it has been for the past century.Unless along the way they recruited some saveage's tribe it is rather unlikely the even have the man to pose a threat"

"Your Grace, I fear that while their numbers may be few, the northern tribes make up for it in savagery" the duke cautioned. "The harsh climate and frequent incursions have shaped them into beasts. I also fear that some lords may prefer his claim over yours"

"If my brother decides to venture south, I'll meet him in battle myself," Mavius declared boldly, his eyes alight with determination. "Last I checked, the east is the most populous and prosperous region in the empire. Or should I be concerned about their loyalty?"

"Never, Your Grace," the duke assured him, his loyalty unwavering. "With your command, we shall raise a formidable army to accompany you on your journey through the south.Indeed, a military campaign, Your Grace that is what the empire need ," the duke concurred, his tone solemn. "The southern lands are said to be defended by the very hand of the gods, and I fear the usurper has likely fortified all the mountain passes, so it will not be easy."

Mavius nodded thoughtfully, his mind already strategizing. "But that also means those beyond the mountains will be eager to rally for our cause. Why would the brat risk his neck defending their lands when he can wait comfortably for my arrival?" He leaned back in his chair, contemplating their next move. "Bypassing the mountains won't be easy, but there are other ways to secure victory without needlessly sacrificing our soldiers.I hardly believe that all the lords within the fingers are loyal to the bone.Starve them a little, throw a bone and they will run to it like starving dogs "

"Of course, Your Grace, but we must also consider the time needed to muster our forces," the duke interjected cautiously.

"How much time?" Mavius inquired tersely, his expression expectant.

"If it were up to me, no more than a few weeks. However, I cannot speak for the other nobles, as some may find war rather unpalatable," the duke admitted.

Mavius frowned, considering their options. "So, you have a solution to expedite the process?" he probed, a hint of impatience in his voice, as he passed his hand through his long black hair .

"Indeed, Your Grace," the duke replied with a respectful bow. "I believe the most effective way to rally your loyal followers is to let them know that eastern blood flows alongside yours, your grace."

Mavius arched an eyebrow, recognizing the suggestion for what it was. ‘It seems he wishes to betroth his daughter to me,’ he mused silently, his gaze meeting the duke's. ‘He is a powerful magnate and currently my strongest supporter. Only a fool would dismiss his offer and play the prude , especially now.’

"Well, my father always used to say that the best marriages are made young," Mavius remarked with a wry smile ‘‘And maybe it’s high time I find lawful wife, I have many bastards but no sons… ‘‘