Lord of Deception

The agreement had been made. Kael had secured his position beside Queen Seraphina, not as a mere vassal, but as an equal in the deadly game of power. But alliances, no matter how strong, were never absolute.

As Kael left the palace, his mind was already at work. He had gained a powerful ally, but power came with expectations—and expectations led to demands. Seraphina was ruthless, cunning, and unpredictable. She would not tolerate weakness, nor would she allow him to grow too powerful unchecked.

Kael smirked to himself. He wouldn't allow her to control him either.

Lucia was waiting in the carriage, her arms crossed, her ever-watchful gaze studying him.

"You didn't refuse," she said, the slightest hint of amusement in her voice.

Kael leaned back, closing his eyes briefly. "Refusing wasn't an option. This is the best move—for now."

Lucia nodded, as if she expected that answer. "The nobles won't take this lightly. By aligning yourself with the Queen, you've made new enemies."

Kael's eyes opened, sharp and calculating. "Let them come. I'll turn them into my weapons or bury them in their own ambitions."

The carriage rattled forward, heading toward Kael's estate. But he had no intention of simply waiting for the nobles to make their move. This was the time to strike first.

Back at his estate, Kael gathered his most trusted advisors.

Seated before him were Lucia von Ragnis, his ever-loyal shadow; Dorian Ashford, a former noble-turned-mercenary commander who valued gold and logic over empty loyalty; and Selene Nacht, a mysterious informant with ties to the underworld, a woman who knew the movements of both nobles and criminals alike.

Kael looked at each of them before speaking. "The Queen has placed me at her side. That means every noble, every faction, and every power-hungry parasite in the empire is now watching me. Some will seek alliances. Some will plot my downfall. We control how this plays out."

Dorian smirked. "So we're making the first move?"

Kael nodded. "We always make the first move."

Selene leaned forward, her voice smooth as silk. "The Margrave and Duke Alistair were the most vocal against you during the banquet. They've already begun meeting with their allies in secret."

Lucia's expression darkened. "They won't act openly, not yet. They'll probe, test your defenses, look for weaknesses."

Kael steepled his fingers, his mind already five steps ahead. "Then we give them something to see—something that makes them believe they have the upper hand. And then we destroy them from within."

Dorian chuckled. "You're going to bait them?"

Kael's smirk was cold. "I'm going to give them hope. And then I'll take everything from them."

The next evening, an "anonymous" letter arrived at Duke Alistair's estate.

It spoke of Kael's growing influence, of his unchecked rise, and of the Queen's dangerous ambition. It hinted at a secret weakness—a flaw in Kael's power that could be exploited.

Alistair, blinded by his own arrogance, took the bait.

Within days, whispers filled the noble courts. Kael was too ambitious. Kael was a danger. Kael needed to be dealt with.

The trap was set.

A week later, Kael attended a gathering at Duke Alistair's grand estate—a lavish affair meant to be a show of power. The nobles who opposed him were all in attendance, their smiles carefully measured, their words filled with hidden daggers.

Kael played his part well, appearing relaxed, unbothered. He drank wine, entertained polite conversation, and watched as his enemies tightened their own noose.

At the height of the night, Duke Alistair approached him, a thin smile on his face. "Duke Kael, I must admit, you've become quite the sensation. The Queen's new favorite. Quite the position to be in."

Kael tilted his head, feigning amusement. "Power invites attention, doesn't it?"

Alistair chuckled, but there was no humor in his eyes. "Indeed. But power also invites danger. Surely, you must know that."

Kael's expression remained unreadable. "I'm well aware. Are you offering advice, or a warning?"

Alistair's smile widened. "Perhaps both. It would be unfortunate if such a promising future was… cut short."

Kael met his gaze, his own smile devoid of warmth. "Yes, unfortunate indeed."

The game had begun. And Alistair didn't even realize he had already lost.

That night, as Kael returned to his estate, Lucia stepped into his study.

"It's done," she said simply.

Kael poured himself a drink. "How did they respond?"

Selene entered behind her, a pleased smirk on her lips. "They took the bait completely. Alistair has already contacted the Margrave. They think they have the perfect plan to trap you."

Kael took a slow sip, savoring the taste of victory before the battle even began.

"Good," he murmured. "Let them believe it. And when the time comes, we will remind them…"

His voice was quiet but carried a chilling finality.

"…why I am not to be crossed."

To be continued....