Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World

As soon as the doors closed behind him, Conradin's expression twisted. Rage crept into his eyes, his jaw clenched tight, and his fists closed until his knuckles turned white. He said nothing as he marched down the corridor, the sisters following close behind. The fury in his gaze was bare to anyone notice it, as if he might strike the next man who looked at him the wrong way.

Only when they stepped outside the palace gates, far from the eyes of the guards, did he finally let it out. He slammed his fist against the stone wall with a dull thud.

"Those bastards!" he hissed. "I marched through those cursed forests, day and night, risked my life for them, and that's how they welcome me?"

The sisters remained silent, their heads lowered, careful not to draw attention. They walked a few steps behind him, listening as his quiet curses filled the space between their footsteps.

When they reached the outer yard where the troops had gathered, they found the men laughing and celebrating, relieved that their long journey was finally over. The tension of the road had melted into cheer.

Conradin's presence was enought to cut the joy short. They immediately got on position, greeting him respectfully.

"Leave the wagons here," he said, voice tight and low. "We are heading back to my estate."

One of the guards stepped forward. It was Gilbert, the soldier who had often escorted the sisters and guarded the mage closely. A Third Stage Warrior, and a guard that had been around since his grandfather's time, protecting the lineage and the patriarchs. He was someone trusted enough to speak freely.

"My lord" Gilbert said with a respectful bow, "the men have waited weeks to return to the capital. Many are tired, some restless. Could you grant them a day or two to enjoy the city? Let them find a tavern, see their mistress rest?"

Conradin's eyes narrowed. For a moment, it looked like he might lash out. But instead, he swallowed his anger and spoke through clenched teeth.

"At first light tomorrow, I want every man back at the estate. Anyone who shows up late will be whipped for an hour." - He said, knowing that he had to control the people's desire in order to maintain his power.

Gilbert gave a slight bow - "I will pass along your orders, my lord." - The nearby soldiers gave a quiet cheer, their eyes betraying the relief and excitement they felt.

Conradin turned to him again - "Bring my carriage. I'm returning home." - Then he pointed at the sisters - "You three, with me."

It did not take long before a dark carriage arrived at the palace gate. Conradin climbed inside without a word and slammed the door shut behind him, leaving the sisters to follow on foot.

They walked in silence, passing through the clean, polished streets of the capital's Inner Walls. Here, the air was fresh, and not even a hint of rot or filth touched their noses. The people on the street, dressed in fine coats and silk gloves, stared at the sisters with open distaste. Their worn, stained clothes stood out like mud on white snow. Had they not been walking behind a noble's carriage, someone might have reported them as beggars who slipped in from the Outer District.

After some time, the carriage turned onto a wide stone road lined with noble estates. Towers and walls rose around grand homes, each one decorated with fine ironwork, marble fountains, and blooming gardens. Guards stood at the gates, some in polished armor, like statues holding weapons and ready to slash at any enemy.

Conradin's estate stood among them. It was large, but humbler than some of its neighbors. The outer walls were only half the height of the royal castle's, and there were not many guards. Still, the building was covered in signs of wealth, lanterns, gold-plated door handles, and carved lions above the gate.

An elderly woman stood waiting by the entrance, her hands folded and her back straight. She was tall and thin, her white hair tied into a tight bun. Her eyes were sharp, and her voice stern.

"Welcome back, Lord Stann" - she said, bowing with an almost perfect posture.

Conradin didn't slow down or return the greeting. As he stepped through the doorway, he tossed a short order over his shoulder.

"Sonia, find a place for these three. They are under my service from now on"- The old maid's gaze shifted to the sisters. Her eyes scanned their clothes, her nose wrinkled in quiet disdain.

"Yes, my lord" - she said without emotion.

-x-

What the nobles of Askiv did not know, what even Prince Emerik could not yet sense, was that another force had already entered the capital. A force hidden in plain sight, mingling amongst the poor.

Nine women walked through the Outer District, their faces hidden beneath black hoods. They moved like shadows. The sick and starving souls that filled the narrow alleys and broken streets. No one looked twice. No one cared. In a place where hunger ruled and hope had long withered, strange faces were the least of anyone's concern.

They turned into a tight alley, its stone walls streaked with filth. The air stank of rot, waste, and old wounds. People lay huddled together on the ground, wrapped in rags or nothing at all. Some were too weak to lift their heads. Others had already stopped trying.

Leier raised a hand, and the group stopped.

One of the Shadow Guards stepped closer, voice low. - "Captain… shouldn't we be targeting the Second Prince instead?"

Leier didn't answer right away. Her eyes were fixed on the city's towering Inner Wall, and just beyond it, the top of the royal palace rising like a silent watchtower above the misery.

"That's the obvious move" - she said at last - "But obvious gets you killed. First, we build a base here. Learn more about both princes. About their allies. Their weaknesses. And if we are careful… maybe we won't need to break in at all. Maybe we can push them to destroy each other."

She glanced down the alley, where dozens of broken lives lay in silence - "With Ayla, Mara, and Lysa already inside, it's time we started moving our own pieces. Spreading our roots."

Her voice dropped to a whisper - "And looking at this place… it won't be hard to plant seeds."