“You see the title, Monarch Crown Bearer is something very important back in Veriton. Just like you, being the Duke of Djeridon is for the people of Djeridon." His lips curled in a faint smile."And you have proved yourself worthy of that title with immense wealth and influence. But for Elias…" Victor's eyes flickered to him as if he didn't bear malice."He just has a tattoo." He paused. "Of course, we can't just obey him because of a mere tattoo. He needs to be something more… something worth it." He completed his speech.Elias almost scoffed.This was it. They wanted to use this banquet to overthrow him. Who knows what other tricks they have up their sleeves."Elias doesn't need to prove shit to anyone. I will get married to him and he will inherit my wealth. None of you will be able to stand against him then." Anastasia stepped forward, as she couldn't stand them any longer, her teeth gritting in anger.Elias didn't reply."Ah… Duchess. What we mean is that…""Victor…" Lord Hargrav

The eastern wing was a different world entirely.Where the main hall had been all light and grandeur, designed to impress and intimidate through sheer opulence, the eastern wing was intimate. Darker. A place where real power moved in shadows, where deals were struck and enemies were made.The hallway stretched before them, lined with portraits of men whose names had shaped empires and toppled kingdoms. Gas lamps flickered in sconces, casting dancing shadows that made the painted eyes seem to follow their movement.Elias took it all in with the calm of a man who'd long ago stopped being impressed by displays of wealth. He'd seen too much. Done too much. Been through too much to let antique paintings