At a time when the war between the two nations was particularly intense, the Empire's highest-ranking frontline commander suddenly left the command fortress and headed deep into Imperial territory, by any measure, something major was about to happen.
Astrid unconsciously narrowed her crimson eyes, her two black-stockinged legs lazily crossed, gently rubbing against each other. Light shimmered softly across the smooth skin of her thighs, accompanied by the delicate, pleasing sound of silk sliding against silk.
"Elise, how exactly did you obtain this intelligence?" Astrid asked.
The Duke Charles's departure meant that supreme wartime command had passed to his adjutant. Only one possibility could explain such a move.
Something had changed in the capital, urgently requiring a powerful noble loyal to the Imperial family and holding military authority to assist behind the scenes, ensuring stability amid potential upheaval.
