Chapter 22: A Tyrant’s Revelation

    The Grand Dining Hall of Bloodbane Castle was an exquisite chamber, with gilded chandeliers casting a soft golden glow over the long black dining table. Crimson drapes lined the walls, and art pieces showing the empire''s conquests hung prominently behind Arkanos.

    Seated at the head of the table was Emperor Arkanos Bloodbane, his emerald eyes focused on the seasoned steak on his plate. To his right sat Illena, the queen, elegant in the way she carried herself. Her long, flowing silver and green hair was neatly braided, and she ate the same dish as the emperor.

    Across from her sat Sephira, enjoying a slice of cream cake. Her playful demeanor was evident as she occasionally glanced at Arkanos with a mischievous smile, her delicate fingers twirling a fork.

    On the far end was Kaela, the youngest of the emperor''s consorts. She was dressed simply, her sharp blue eyes matching her calm demeanor. A bowl of vegetable stew sat before her, her choice reflecting her minimalist tastes.

    The dinner was quiet, except for the soft clink of cutlery, until Illena broke the silence.

    "I hear from my maids..." she spoke, her tone teasing,

    "...that you plan to hold some sort of celebration for the fallen soldiers. A proper burial and everything. My dear emperor, whatever has brought about this sudden change from taking to giving?"

    Her question hung in the air, and the other women paused to look at Arkanos, curiosity gleaming in their eyes.

    Arkanos set his fork down, his emerald gaze sharp yet deep in thought. "Enlightenment," he said simply.

    Illena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Enlightenment? Do tell."

    Arkanos leaned back slightly, his expression distant as if recalling a memory. "During my battle with the Mythical Serpent, I came closer to death than I ever have before. In those moments, I questioned everything. Was this how I wanted my legacy to end? A ruthless tyrant felled in obscurity, remembered only for destruction?"

    He paused, then spoke again. "I saw a glimpse of a greater future... one where my empire did not merely inspire fear, but commanded respect and loyalty. A future where the name Arkanos Bloodbane was synonymous with unshakable power and enduring vision. And so, I decided I would grasp it."

    Kaela, seeing this, rolled her eyes and sighed. "She''s at it again..." she whispered to herself.

    Illena, unfazed, sipped her wine with a raised brow, her lips twitching in what might have been amusement... or perhaps disapproval.

    Arkanos, however, remained composed, his emerald eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he studied Sephira. He set his goblet down... slowly.

    "Sephira..."

    "...you are skilled at making an impression, I''ll give you that."

    She leaned forward slightly, waving her bust from side to side, her smile widening. "Only for you, Your Majesty."

    The tension at the table shifted. Kaela gazed at her with a touch of disappointment... or was it disgust, while Illena gave an exasperated sigh. Arkanos simply waved a hand, summoning one of the attending maids.

    "Assist her," he instructed, his tone final. "Sephira may enjoy her theatrics, but today I have little patience for distractions."

    Sephira pouted but complied, allowing the maid to tend to her. "As you wish, my emperor," she said, her voice soft but still playful.

    Suddenly, the heavy doors to the hall opened quietly, and Arvel entered with a calm stride. Approaching Arkanos, he leaned down to whisper something in his ear.

    Arkanos'' eyes narrowed slightly, and he placed his utensils down gracefully. "Is that so?" he said before rising from his seat.

    Illena, seated nearby, looked at him with concern. "What''s the matter? You haven''t even finished your meal."

    Arkanos glanced at her and said, "I must attend to my duties. The little celebration I spoke of starts today, and I want to personally give a speech to the people first."