The Emperor Takes Notice
With the Western Coalition crushed, Leon's name echoed through the Empire louder than ever.
He controlled vast territories.
His army was stronger than ever.
And now, even the nobles who once opposed him hesitated to act.
But one man was not pleased—Emperor Regnar IV.
From his grand palace in the capital, the Emperor listened as his advisors debated.
"Leon Blackwood is becoming too powerful," one minister said.
"If we let him continue, he may challenge the throne itself!" another cried.
The Emperor remained silent. His piercing gaze flickered with thought.
"Summon him."
---
An Invitation... or a Trap?
Two weeks later, a royal decree arrived at Blackspire Keep.
Elara read the letter aloud:
"By the command of His Imperial Majesty, Leon Blackwood, Grand Duke of the Eastern Provinces, is hereby summoned to the Imperial Court for an audience."
Darius scowled. "It's a trap."
Elara nodded. "The Emperor wants to bring you to the capital, where his power is absolute. If he fears you enough, he might order your execution."
Leon smirked. "Then let's not give him the chance."
Darius raised an eyebrow. "You're refusing?"
Leon shook his head. "No. I'll go."
Elara's eyes widened. "Leon, this is dangerous—"
"And that's why I need to go." Leon leaned forward. "If I refuse, it gives the Emperor an excuse to declare me a traitor. But if I go… I can turn this in my favor."
Elara sighed. "Then we need to be prepared."
And so, the game of power began.
---
The Journey to the Imperial Capital
Leon traveled with a full entourage—his most loyal knights, a battalion of elite guards, and hidden assassins disguised as servants.
Elara handled diplomatic matters, ensuring his supporters in the court were ready.
Darius led a hidden force, prepared to strike if Leon was betrayed.
As Leon's caravan approached the capital, he saw the grand walls of Everwinter, the heart of the Empire.
The city was a symbol of power—but Leon wasn't here to admire it.
He was here to take it.
---
Meeting the Emperor
The Imperial Palace was a monument of gold and marble, its halls filled with nobles, ministers, and guards.
Leon entered the throne room, where Emperor Regnar IV sat on his golden throne.
The room was filled with dozens of nobles, their gazes filled with suspicion and fear.
Leon knelt but did not bow his head.
"Your Majesty."
The Emperor studied him, then spoke.
"You have grown strong, Leon Blackwood. Too strong. Some say you seek the throne."
A tense silence filled the room. All eyes were on Leon.
But Leon only smiled.
"I seek only to serve the Empire, Your Majesty. My victories have been for the stability of your reign."
Some nobles scoffed, but the Emperor's expression remained unreadable.
"Then prove your loyalty," he said. "Swear fealty to me, here and now."
Leon's smirk widened.
"Of course."
And with that, he took the oath.
The nobles relaxed, thinking Leon had submitted.
But what they didn't know was—Leon had just planted his first seed in the capital.
---
A New Game Begins
That night, Leon met in secret with several noble factions.
Some resented the Emperor's rule.
Others feared Leon's rise but respected his strength.
Leon played his cards carefully, gathering new allies while keeping his true intentions hidden.
"The throne will be mine," he whispered to Elara that night. "Not by rebellion… but by turning the Empire against itself."
And so, the next stage of Leon's conquest began—not on the battlefield, but in the heart of power itself.
---
Daggers in the Dark
The Silent Threat
The Imperial Palace was not just a center of power—it was a battlefield where wars were fought with whispers and poisoned smiles.
Leon knew that the moment he stepped inside, his life was in danger. His enemies wouldn't wait for him to gain more influence—they would strike first.
And they did.
It was the third night since his arrival when it happened.
Leon sat in his private chambers, reading through reports from his spies when—
"Sshhkk!"
A shadow moved.
The candlelight flickered as a dagger sliced through the air.
Leon rolled off his chair just in time, the blade barely missing his throat.
He landed in a crouch, his eyes locking onto a hooded figure cloaked in darkness.
An assassin.
But the moment the first attack failed, two more shadows emerged.
This wasn't a warning.
It was an execution.
---
The Battle in the Darkness
Leon smirked. "Pathetic."
In a blur, he grabbed a hidden blade from his sleeve and parried the next strike.
The assassin attacking from behind barely had time to react before Leon's dagger sliced across his throat.
One down.
The other two lunged at the same time.
Leon ducked under a sword slash, grabbing the assassin's wrist and twisting—SNAP!
The man screamed as his arm broke at the elbow, and Leon finished him with a swift stab to the heart.
Two down.
The last assassin hesitated.
Big mistake.
Leon moved faster than the eye could follow, his blade sinking into the man's chest before he could escape.
As the body collapsed to the ground, Leon exhaled.
"If this is the best they can send, they'll need to try harder."
---
Who Ordered the Attack?
Moments later, Elara and Darius burst into the chamber, weapons drawn.
"Leon! Are you—" Elara's eyes widened at the sight of three dead assassins.
Darius chuckled. "Damn. You didn't even need us."
Leon wiped the blood off his blade. "They were amateurs."
Elara frowned. "Then they weren't meant to succeed… just to send a message."
Leon's gaze darkened.
"A warning from the Emperor."
The attack wasn't just about killing him—it was a test.
Regnar IV wanted to see how Leon would react.
Would he panic? Would he lash out?
Leon did neither.
Instead, he sent a message of his own.
---
A Bloody Response
By morning, the entire Imperial Court heard the news—
Three assassins had entered Leon's chambers… and none had left alive.
But that wasn't all.
Hours later, four noble houses suddenly lost key members—men who had connections to the Emperor's secret network.
They weren't assassins, but they were spies, informants, and supporters of the Emperor's faction.
And now, they were gone.
Leon didn't just defend himself.
He struck back.
Elara smirked. "You just made the Emperor hesitate."
Darius grinned. "Now he knows—if he sends one dagger your way, you'll send ten back."
Leon's reputation as a predator had only grown stronger.
And as the Emperor watched from his golden throne, he knew—
Leon Blackwood wasn't just another noble.
He was a threat.