Lord of Deception

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across Kael's chamber as Empress Selene leaned against the carved obsidian desk, her piercing crimson eyes studying him. The air between them was thick with something unspoken—not tension, but anticipation.

Kael, as always, was unreadable. He watched her in measured silence, his golden gaze betraying nothing.

Selene finally spoke, her voice soft but laced with authority. "You don't seem surprised to see me."

Kael swirled the dark wine in his goblet before taking a slow sip. "A wise man never shows surprise. Especially when a queen walks into his den in the middle of the night."

A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "You play this game well, Kael."

He leaned back against the high-backed chair, resting his fingers together. "And yet, you are still here. Which means you need something from me."

Selene let the silence stretch, savoring the moment. Then, with deliberate grace, she pushed off the desk and took slow steps toward him. "Need is a strong word," she murmured. "But you are right—I did not come here merely for idle conversation."

Kael gestured slightly. "Then speak. I despise wasted time."

Selene chuckled, circling behind his chair. "The Prophet's influence has begun to creep into my Empire," she admitted, her tone laced with disdain. "Whispers in the courts. Ministers shifting allegiances. Even my loyal hounds are beginning to question whether I am the rightful ruler."

Kael remained still, absorbing her words.

Selene continued, her voice carrying the weight of a ruler accustomed to control. "I built this Empire with my own hands. I crushed rebellions, outmaneuvered rivals, and silenced dissenters without ever drawing a sword. And yet, this false prophet is unraveling what took me decades to create."

Kael finally spoke, his voice measured. "And you want me to deal with it?"

Selene moved to his side, placing a single, delicate hand on the armrest of his chair. "No," she whispered, her lips dangerously close to his ear. "I want you to destroy him."

Kael chuckled—low and dangerous. "And what do I gain from this, Your Majesty?"

Selene straightened, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Everything you desire."

The room's temperature seemed to shift as Kael studied her. He had anticipated that she would come to him—they all did, eventually—but he had not expected her to be this direct.

Selene, the most powerful woman in the Empire, was offering an alliance.

But Kael was no fool.

He tilted his head. "You assume I desire something."

Selene chuckled. "Everyone desires something, Kael. Power, wealth, conquest." She leaned in slightly. "Or perhaps... something far more intimate."

Kael's smirk was faint but present. "You think seduction will sway me?"

Selene's lips curled into a smile. "No. If it could, you wouldn't be worth my time."

Silence.

Then Kael spoke, his voice carrying the weight of decision. "I will deal with The Prophet. But I do not serve. I do not kneel. If we do this, we do it as equals."

Selene's eyes gleamed. "Agreed."

A pact was sealed, though neither had spoken the words aloud.

By dawn, Kael stood atop the eastern battlements of his fortress, watching as his forces began their silent march.

Ravyn approached him, her expression curious. "You made a deal with her."

Kael did not look at her. "She made a deal with me."

Ravyn smirked. "And do you trust her?"

Kael let out a low chuckle. "I trust that she will act in her best interests. And for now... that aligns with mine."

Ravyn studied him for a moment before nodding. "And what about The Prophet?"

Kael's golden eyes burned.

"He thinks he can manipulate the board." Kael's voice was quiet, yet powerful. "He doesn't realize... I am the one who built it."

To be continued.....