Count Rhyne's POV - Ferlain City Outskirts
***
His room was made of wood, a simple lodge just outside his city itself. He was already committing grave treason, so he decided to act out his plan in hiding, to make sure the king or other dukes wouldn't act against him.
"Just a few more months... and that kid should fall."
Rhyne snickered, playing chess alone in his office. He didn't do it for fun; he did it to feel superior.
The ability to control men with your very own hands, commanding them until the other king loses and falls, the same tactic he's using to destroy Justinian.
KNOCK. KNOCK.
"My lord, it's urgent!"
A muffled voice came outside his room, causing him to slip and causing a piece to fall to the floor.
"Can't you be quieter!?"
Rhyne yelled out, resting his head on his hands.
"Enter."
CREAK.
A cloaked man entered, Fenrix, his spymaster, a master of subterfuge born in the northern borders of the kingdom.
"This concerns the duke, my lord."
"Justinian...? What could possibly have happened?"
Rhyne laughed softly, not imagining the news would be of any importance. Justinian wasn't taught to be a good leader due to his parents' early demise, and because how much unrest he caused.
He shouldn't even be able to command his capital, even if he were competent.
"The unrest we started has been quelled."
"What...?"
Rhyne raised a brow, his expression steeling. Did he really hear that right? Snowkeep is managing to actually stay afloat?
'Must be that bastard's steward...' He muttered, grabbing his wine glass.
Fenrix spoke again, this time with more caution, seeing the count now in a bad mood.
"Justinian... my lord, he quelled it himself."
Rhyne froze after hearing those words, Justinian...? Did he finally come to his senses?
"Speak, everything you know, spit it out."
Fenrix nodded, laying out everything that had happened in the span of a day, the mobilization of the army to fortify Snowkeep, the upcoming festival, even the odd raid on the bakery.
But, they still didn't know about the upcoming night raid. Matthias made sure that information wouldn't leave the palace.
"But is the encirclement doing well...?"
"Yes, my lord, as strong as ever, and after I took a good count at the duke's numbers, he shouldn't be able to penetrate one without risking his own defenses."
Rhyne calmed down at Fenrix's words. It wasn't the end of the world after all, but still, how in the world did Justinian become so competent?
"Are you sure it was the duke's work alone?"
"Yes, my lord, ...it seems like we underestimated the duke."
Rhyne glared at Fenrix as he said those words, pure contempt and hatred in his eyes.
"Watch your tongue, that incompetent bastard just got lucky, send word to Elberich."
Rhyne stood up, stretching his arms as he looked past his window, seeing the winter getting even stronger.
"Tell him to mobilize... send a small detachment to burn a few villages, that should stop Justinian's progress for a while."
"Of course, my lord."
Fenrix nodded, then left immediately, cloak billowing as he departed silently, his footsteps as quiet as stepping on air.
'This is just a minor setback...'
***
Justinian's POV - Snowkeep Palace, Morning
***
RUSTLE.
He sat upright, the rays of the sun illuminating his head cleanly, the flash of bright light waking him even without an alarm clock.
"That was probably the best sleep of my life..."
"You deserved it."
Cassia answered, already in full plate just by the door, guarding it like the knight she is.
"How long were you awake for?"
"Two hours before you."
Justinian chuckled, leaving his bed and quickly changing to a new attire, this time, instead of yesterday's humbleness. He wore his full regal attire, all with a crimson cloak to complete it all.
An attire already prepared for him just by the side of his bed by servants who had entered hours earlier as well.
'This outfit... is quite warm...'
Justinian thought, having a hard time getting used to the amount of layers and the odd feeling fabric.
"It suits you."
Cassia remarked.
"Well... it is my signature attire after all."
KNOCK. KNOCK.
"My lord, Lord Lucan is waiting for you in your throne room, urgent business."
Justinian sighed, knowing it was likely the result of the raid on the bakery.
"Very well! tell him I'll arrive soon."
"Yes, my lord."
The servant from outside replied, her departing steps audible.
Justinian steadied his breath before fixing his collar, preparing himself for this new day, another day of a busy schedule, and fixing a ruined duchy.
"Let's depart."
Justinian addressed Cassia, leaving the room and heading to the throne room. Another eventful day has begun.