Three years in a cell had taught Matthias Corvain many things. How to count time by the changing light through the single barred window. How to recognize the footsteps of different guards. How to silence the voice in his head that whispered he’d made the wrong choice. He hadn’t. He would make the same choice … Read more
The marble corridors of the Imperial Palace had always felt colder than the mud of the Eastern Marches, but today, they felt like the interior of a tomb. General Matthias Corvain walked with the measured stride of a man heading toward his own gallows. To his left and right, the Crimson Guard—Lucian’s newly appointed personal … Read more
The messenger arrived at dawn. Matthias stood in his command tent, reviewing supply reports from the recently concluded campaign. The Eastern Marches were secured, the rebel forces scattered, another victory added to his unbroken record. He was already planning the return to the capital, to report his success to Emperor Adrian. Then the messenger stumbled … Read more
Matthias had been avoiding Prince Lucian for three years. It wasn’t difficult. The palace was vast, and Lucian spent most of his time in the eastern wing with his tutors while Matthias trained with the guard or studied in the libraries. Their paths rarely crossed, and when they did, Matthias made sure to disappear as … Read more
Matthias had rehearsed this moment a thousand times in his mind during the long march back to the capital. Each scenario had ended the same way—with his death. He’d made peace with it. Had written letters to his wife and children, hidden away where they’d be found after his execution. Had prepared himself for whatever … Read more
The general returned to the capital beneath banners still stained with smoke and blood. Bells rang for victory, but the sound rang hollow through the streets, as if the city itself did not quite believe it deserved celebration. The Emperor was dead.So was the Crown Prince. They had not fallen in battle. Their deaths had … Read more
The city had never learned how to breathe without war. When the gates opened to receive the returning army, the streets filled as if drawn by a single pulse. Banners hung from balconies, torn at the edges, faded by sun and smoke, but lifted high all the same. People shouted the General’s name—some in gratitude, … Read more
The throne room was packed to capacity, nobles pressed shoulder to shoulder, all of them desperate to witness what everyone knew was coming. The execution of General Matthias Corvain. Whispers rippled through the crowd like wind through wheat—eager, nervous, terrified whispers. “He summoned the General back from the border three weeks ago.” “Personal command. Immediate … Read more
The news reached Lucian at dawn: General Corvain was returning to the capital. Riding hard. Urgent. As if hell itself pursued him. Lucian’s blood turned to ice. His father had been dead less than a month. The funeral rites barely completed. The crown still felt foreign on Lucian’s head, the throne still too large beneath … Read more
Lucian stood alone at the top of the palace steps and waited to die. The courtyard below was empty. He’d dismissed everyone—the guards, the advisors, the courtiers who’d clustered around him since his father’s death. All of them gone, sent away with orders not to return until summoned. They’d protested, of course. Captain Varen had … Read more