"Okay, there are some matters that need to be addressed today, and there's also an important announcement to be made," the Emperor said. He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the vast court hall. As the murmurs died down and attention sharpened, he continued.
"It has come to my notice that some of my subordinates have misused the powers and positions granted to them," the King said, his voice sharp as a blade, his gaze sweeping over each minister, duke, and official.
"Your actions are a threat to the very fabric of our kingdom. I will not hesitate to take drastic measures to protect our people and preserve the honor of this empire."
The air turned still, heavy with apprehension.
"I gave you power to serve the people, not to enrich yourselves. Your corruption will be rooted out, and you will face the consequences."
The Emperor's voice echoed through the chamber like thunder. Everyone stood frozen, afraid to move or breathe too loudly.
"Right Prime Minister Julian," the King called.
"Live long, Your Majesty," Prime Minister Julian responded, rising to address the court.
"There has been a massacre in one of the villages under the supervision of Duke Wilson. Not just one village—three, within two months. Hundreds of innocent lives lost. In addition, taxes in his jurisdiction have been raised to cruel levels, unbearable for the people. Starvation, suicides, assassinations... These are the results of Duke Wilson's tyranny. And to think, this has gone on for over two years. It is a shame we only found out now."
The chamber exploded in murmurs. Shock, horror, disbelief. Some shrank into themselves, while others exchanged nervous glances. Eyes filled with dread darted around the room.
All except one.
Seated silently, crown prince Derick observed everything, his face unreadable. He was the one behind the leaked evidence. Of course, he wasn't surprised.
"Silence!" the King roared, the force of his voice crashing down like a hammer. The room fell into utter stillness.
"You must have forgotten that I am still here," he said coldly. Heads dropped in submission, not daring to meet his fiery gaze.
"This is a lesson and a warning to every one of you. Treason against this land and her people is a sin neither I nor the kingdom will tolerate. Punishment will be dealt out as stated by the laws of our forefathers."
He rose from his throne, his crimson eyes glowing, his rage barely restrained.
"Duke Wilson cielo ," he declared, his voice thunderous. "Because of your position and years of service, your crimes would traditionally be punishable by death. However, I have something worse in mind—a punishment more fitting."
Gasps rippled through the room.
"As Emperor of Valtoria, with the power and authority bestowed upon me, I hereby strip you of your title and holdings. From this moment forward, you are no longer a duke. You and your household are now commoners. Criminals. Everything you own will be seized. You will wander in shame, beg for food and shelter, yet find none. You will suffer until the last breath leaves your miserable body. So shall it be."
The Emperor's voice had risen to a near growl, his fury undeniable, his fangs glinting with bloodlust.
No one dared speak.
Everyone rose.
"All hail Emperor Gorton Von Blackwood," the herald announced.
"Long live Emperor Gorton Von Blackwood!" echoed through the vast chamber as every soul within stood in fearful unity.
"Let this serve as a warning to all who plot in the shadows," the Emperor added, casting his gaze over the assembly. "This kingdom is not yours to plunder."
Guards stormed in, seizing Duke Wilson, whose mouth moved without sound, his mind still unable to grasp the magnitude of his downfall. He had bathed in the suffering of innocents, believed himself untouchable.
Now, he was nothing.
The guards bound his arms and legs with shimmering silver chains. He tried to protest, to plead, but the Emperor's voice interrupted once more.
"Take him. Parade him through the central market of Tenebria. Let the people see him, see what their tormentor has become. Let him walk in shame."
Shock rippled through the room. Even those who had hated Wilson pitied the humiliation he now faced. But none dared question the order.
Minutes later, the court resumed as though nothing had happened, but the atmosphere remained heavy. Some ministers tried to put on a brave face, while others visibly shook, fear written clearly in their eyes.
The Emperor returned to his throne and let out a breath.
"Part of today's meeting was also to announce a matter of great importance," he said, his tone more composed. "A royal marriage between the Kingdom of Elyria and the Empire of Tenebria."
The hall erupted once more in low murmurs and whispers.
"A marriage alliance? With Elyria?" one noble muttered.
Left Minister Marvin stepped forward, brows furrowed. "Your Majesty, a marriage alliance between a vampire and a human? Is that wise?"
The Emperor raised an eyebrow, his tone sharp. "Is there a problem with that, Minister Marvin?"
Marvin immediately stepped back. "No, Your Majesty. None."
"Good."
Whispers resumed. Some wondered who the bride might be, while others feared the consequences of uniting two very different kingdoms.
Derick sat silently, his arms folded. Wondering who the bride might be. And the thought amused him more than anything.
But more than being amused Derek was seething with rage. At the thought of his father having planned a marriage behind his back without his idea. Worse so to a human of all species's one he despise most".
The Emperor stood. "The details of the union will be revealed in due time. For now, prepare yourselves. A new age approaches. One that demands unity, strength, and sacrifice."
With that, he dismissed the court.
As the officials departed, some in thought, others in fear, and some in silent plotting, a new chapter in the history of Tenebria was being written—with blood, power, and the sharp edge of justice