Once again, Theodoric was awoken by his servants forcing him into his room. He may have imprisoned him on the spot if it wasn’t for the serious face and letter in his hand. "Your Grace. A letter has arrived from the Grand Prince."

"Nogrovod?" The news made him wake up by its sheer absurdity. Nogrovod and he were enemies, and he had made sure of this to justify all his wars. The servant shook his head, and Theodoric dressed himself lightly.

"Vladmire, Your Grace." Hearing Vladmire was even more confusing, Theodoric quickly snatched the letter from the servant. His tired eyes lit up, and a wide smile appeared. Rushing out the door, he ran to Athalaric’s room without caring for his appearance and threw the door open. The old man was sitting calmly reading before he jumped in surprise at the sudden intrusion. His cold eyes quickly softened.

"Your Grace. Even if you are king..."

"Don’t worry about that. Read this." Theodoric couldn’t be asked to sit through the old man’s lecture, so he gave him the letter. Looking at it, he frowned, seeing the family seal of the Brantov house, but seeing who actually sent it made him perk up again.

"Is this true?" Theodoric looked to the servant, who quickly followed behind.

"A ship from Vladmire arrived at our port two weeks ago. It seems true, " The servant quickly explained, and the king and old man looked at one another with sly looks.

"If this is true," Athalaric quietly muttered, "We have the perfect chance to take the gold mine." Theodoric couldn’t help but nod happily.

"More than that, we can get a closer relationship with Nogrovod and the Empire. It could be our chance to jump ship. The coffers are already low; if we can break away from the church, then how much would we save not paying their tax?" Theodoric already was picturing it in his mind, but Athalric didn’t share his same thoughts, feeling it was dangerous.

"We don’t have the support to do that." Theodoric groaned and fell into a nearby chair, hearing the response.

"Leave us." Ordering the servant away, he quickly bowed and closed the door on the two. "What does it matter if I don’t have the support? What did the Empire do?"

"Dangerous." Athalaric looked at Theodoric in panic, trying his best not to raise his voice. He knew he had to stop his king. The vassals put up with him, but they weren’t loyal. They needed a strong king, not a tyrant. If the opportunity to revolt came, he was sure most would happily take it. Athalaric looked at him seriously, and his eyes hardened.

"You are not the Emporer. He had enough loyal men to carry out such an act. You are weak, Theodoric and can’t risk anything drastic." The king rolled his eyes, annoying the old man, who stood up and towered over him. "I can not help you if this is what you do."

"Are you threatening me, Athalaric?" Theodoric stood up, his voice going cold. The two looked at one another for what felt like hours, neither willing to back down.

"I have kept you safe for so long, and you think I am threatening you. You spoilt fucking brat." The venom in the old man’s voice stung deep, and Theodoric clenched and unclenched his fists. "You may be strong enough to sit on the throne, but I keep you there. So why don’t you go back to your room and indulge yourself with one of your wives whilst I sort this shit out for you."

Theodoric’s veins popped on his neck as he stepped closer to the old man. Athalaric didn’t budge and looked him dead in the eyes, unwavering. A silent deadlock lasted again, only broken by Theodoric bursting into a fit of laughter.

"Calm down. We don’t want you having a heart attack, old man." Tapping Athalaric’s shoulder, he shrugged. "It was just a suggestion. If you’re that against it, then I won’t." Athalaric’s eyes softened and smiled.

He knew that Theodoric knew his position. Whilst he may have been king, he was the one who did nearly everything. He couldn’t risk killing him, even if he wanted to. He may have been seen as strong by the vassals, but the truth was that he kept them in line most of the time by doing the work needed. All Theodoric had to do was put his foot down when necessary and make the hard decisions, something he was good at.

"I’ll send word to Vladmire that we agree," Theodoric said casually as he walked out of the room, getting a nod from Athalaric. "I need you to begin mobilising again. We can trick the Commonwealth into thinking it’s for them. That should keep our alliance a little longer."

Athalaric sighed after his king left and fell into his chair. He couldn’t understand. At first, he had wanted to marry Princess Ada to use their kid to reclaim the Commonwealth throne after the Empire contoured it, but now he wanted to buddy up with them. Theodoric was sly. He knew that. He may have acted dumb and was lazy, but he had to have a certain amount of skill to stay in his place, even with him there.

’Does he want to trick the Empire?’ Athalaric thought about it but gave up, not bothering to think any longer. It didn’t matter. Right now, the main goal was securing the gold mine. Thinking further was a waste of time.

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William looked out at the legions of soldiers before him. The mobilisation had been quick, and while they were scared that it would give a chance for disent to rise across the Empire, Alfred had prepared. The propaganda machine that was the Ammary Futuer had been in full swing, and Alfred had used the Printing Press to its fullest potential.

War, War, War. The Empire’s people, who were usually scared of such words, now felt excited. A mix of nationalistic pride sprinkled with word of it being their destiny excited even the most peaceful man. It had been years of planning, and now civilians would see the military leave with happy faces, cheering for their destined victory. It terrified William how simple words could change a populace’s perspective on something they used to dread.

Alfred controlled their hearts. He was the sole news source and chose what they read and saw. Was it all his plan? William had to ask himself. Having his people learn how to read and write. Was it all leading up to this point where Alfred could influence their minds? Even looking at his men, he saw their excited looks. They all knew the brutality of war, but maybe it had been too long, and they slowly forgot, only seeing Alfred’s romantic words.

Clearing his throat, he looked out. "Men." His voice was stern and full of authority. Everyone subconsciously straightened themselves, hearing the single word, and did not wish to be embarrassed in front of the General. "We will be entering hell soon. We will struggle and fight to bring the glorious future the Ammary people deserve. We are their hope. We all knew this day was coming. Do not falter. Do not be scared. Hold firm and strike true. For we are the sword that will enlighten this world."

The legions before him all slammed their chest piece to salute, creating a sound comparable to an explosion. William smiled. He partly believed what he said but knew it was what was needed for them. He needed his soldiers ready to die. It was war. He couldn’t make them numb to its horrors.

"This will be terrible. War always is. Some of you may die, but do not worry. We are better than them. I have trained you all to be the greatest force this world has ever seen. Your families will be cared for when we are gone, and I tell you, no, I order you. Keep them in your heart. Remember what you are fighting for." William paused and looked out. Not one of his men faltered at his words, and it made him smile.

"You do not fight for a man who sits back and orders you. The Emperor will be with us. Side by side in the midst of it. The Empress will be with us. If a woman can come and fight, then none of you can dare run in fear. What kind of men would you be?"

The men saluted once again, feeling rejuvenated, and William smiled. He could see they were ready. The Safrid campaign all those years ago had been training for his creation. Now was the real thing. "May the Emperor guide us. Glory to Ammary People. Glory to the Emperor." William slammed his fist on his chest, and everyone followed.

Looking at them, he smiled and turned, leading them to the Commonwealth. It was starting. The first wave of the Empire was moving.

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Lesezek sat on the throne looking at the arrogant messganer from the Empire. His eyes, much like everyone else in the room, were dark, knowing what it meant. Unfolding the scroll, the messenger looked up.

"By Order of His Majesty the Emporer, Alfred Lindonfall, The Blessed One, Creator of the Empire. I hereby carry his official declaration of war against the Commonwealth. His conquest comes as an enlightening movement. To bring peace to the world and reunite the Gods under one banner."

The messenger closed the scroll and looked up at Lesezek, who took a deep breath. "Noted. Leave now." The messenger smiled and bowed, turning around and walking out. Everyone looked up at the Crown Prince, who did his best to keep himself in check.

"Send word to father. Tell him the Empire has officially moved." Konrad nodded and ran off. The throne room was silent. No one could tell if this was the being of the end or not.