The atmosphere in the Principality was on edge. Alexei looked at the paper before him with dark eyes as those around dared not to make a sound. "Is it true?" He asked with a cold voice as one nodded.

"Dmitri confirmed it. The Royal Guard Commander died in a botch assassination attempt." Alexie’s fist slammed the table.

"I mean. Was the church truly behind it?" Everyone looked around at each other with an older noble finally coming forward.

"All the evidence points to them, Your Grace. And if the pardon found, that Dimitri mentioned is to be believed then we have no reason to doubt it any further." Alexei exhaled deeply falling back into his chair.

"Anything else?" He had hoped for nothing more but seeing the old man open his mouth he knew it was a luxury he wouldn’t get.

"The Emporer has begun a purge of the clergy from our sources. Beginning in Far Mile. It seems what Prince Ivan mentioned in his letters will come to pass, quicker than we expected."

Alexei felt conflicted. on one hand, he valued the church and loved it even. But on the other hand, he had given the final decision to his son. Ivan had already decided to align with Alfred and in turn, it meant he had to.

Alexei rubbed his eyes. "Your Grace." A third noble spoke up getting the room’s attention. No one here is questioning the order to stand alongside the Empire. It is clear the Blessed One has enough reason to cause a schism away from the Church now." Taking a deep breath he paused, "But are we following him into it?"

It was a question that had weighed on the minds of everyone, including Alexei. He remembered Ivan’s letter back after he met with Issac and could tell his son was leaning toward the idea of breaking away completely. Closing his eyes he held the words he was about to say back and thought on it more.

"Let us wait for Ivan’s return. Its a massive decision and we still haven’t had confirmation form the Emporer that is the cause of action he wishes to take."

"Your Grace." The old noble spoke as he picked up the papers that came from the Empire. "Is this not proof enough? Telling us all of the betrayal followed by lengthy talks of self-determination and freedom."

"The Blessed One is a smart man," Alexei said quickly. Taking the paper from the noble hand he bitterly smiled. "But these are definitely his thoughts." Alexei paused and looked around the room. "We don’t need to make a choice yet, but it doesn’t mean we can’t prepare. Ivan’s campaign in the north is finishing soon. Draw plans for the military for their return. Meanwhile, keep track of the church financing. If they are planning a mass exodus under suspicion we may join the Empire, then we are already marked as an enemy and can strike swiftly."

The nobles looked around and nodded in agreement. It was the best cause of action they could take at the moment. All of them gave a deep bow as they left leaving Alexei alone. Taking a look at the papers again he wondered what the future would look like.

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Lesezek Sobieski. Despite being regent in his father’s absence he couldn’t help but feel himself getting used to the position of King. Looking at the bickering nobles of the council he remembered how his father often complained about the meetings, but he found a weird joy in it. It kept him busy

"Prince." A soft voice spoke out from a pair of double doors as Konrad walked in with his usual angelic smile. Holding a set of papers he handed them over to Lesezek. "The Emporer was nearly assassinated."

The jaws of everyone dropped as they looked at Konrad like he was delusional. Even Aleksander struggled to hide his emotions at the sudden news. Konrad paid no attention to the council and carried on. "The news correlates with what my people have found. The Royal Guard Commander is dead, and the clergy in Far Mile purged due to it."

Lesezek looked at the paper and smiled before handing it to Aleksander. "It seems the Blood Child is planning to do something dangerous." Lesezek looked to Konrad. "Send word to the Holy Seat. The Commonwealth will assist in any further action taken against the Empire if they request so."

No one stopped the order from being carried off. Despite the internal problem currently in the Commonwealth, they knew that a chance to attack the Empire with large support may never come again. They were a menace that had to be contained with everyone knowing it was only a matter of time before they turned their swords their way.

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The far west of the Lisaponic Empire. It was a place in the Empire of immense importance, always having a member of the Imperial family in control. From trade to defense, it usually became the staging ground for any war the Lisaponics would begin.

Four Prince Darius sat in his residence in the largest city east of the river as he casually drank tea, talking with his friends.

"It seems Prodora has begun greater trade with the Ammerians."

"Not unexpected. It seems they had a bad yield this year."

"Does the Emporer have any plans to help with it, Darius?" One of them asked looking at Darius with greedy eyes. The Prince chuckled waving him off.

"Contain yourself. Besides how would I know? I’m in charge of the east, its not my pl..." A knocking on the door interrupted the men as a servant walked in. Handing the paper to Darius he whispered something in his ear before walking off.

Darius froze his eyes looking at the paper. Seeing the first bit of content he quickly ignored everyone around, hurriedly reading it. Everyone wondered what had gotten into him, but didn’t dare to disturb him, seeing how focused he was.

Only after five minutes did he put down the paper and chuckle. "It seems the Church is going to be forced to move."

"The Sun worshipers. What happened?" Another picked up the paper, and much like Darius his smile fell.

"They tried to kill the one they called Blessed."

"The new Emporer in the west. Surely you are lying." One waved it off, but he quickly found the paper in front of him.

"Why would someone lie about this?" Darius kissed his lips. "Forgive me, I have to send word to my father about this." The men didn’t stop him watching Darius run off, out the room.