Chapter 42: Shadows of Treachery

    Arkanos watched as Illena''s breathing steadied, her flushed face softening as she drifted off to sleep. A small smile crept onto his lips as he studied her.

    "Cute," he murmured, his tone unusually tender.

    Just as he reached out to brush a stray lock of her silver-green hair from her face, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.

    "I have returned with news, my Lord."

    Arkanos''s expression immediately shifted to his usual composed demeanor. He pulled the sheets up, gently covering Illena''s body, ensuring she was warm and comfortable.

    With a final glance at her sleeping face, he stood and grabbed his robes, draping them over himself, tying the ropes as he moved toward the balcony.

    The cool night breeze greeted him as he stepped out, his golden eyes scanning the shadows. His gaze landed on a figure perched on the window frame, balancing effortlessly on the edge of the building.

    "Ivan," Arkanos called out, narrowing his gaze. He then said, "Seems you''ve been here for a while now."

    Ivan gave a faint, apologetic smile, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight. "My apologies, my Lord. I sensed you were occupied, so I chose not to intrude."

    Arkanos chuckled softly, folding his arms as he leaned against the balcony railing.

    "Occupied? That''s one way to put it," Arkanos said. He then added, "I''m glad to know you have some decency, at least." His voice carried a trace of amusement, a fleeting moment of levity between ruler and his assassin.

    Ivan''s smirk widened slightly, though he bowed his head in acknowledgment. "It is always my goal to serve with discretion, my Lord. But I bring important news that could not wait."

    "Speak, then," Arkanos said. "What have you discovered?"

    Ivan stepped off the window frame, landing soundlessly on the balcony. His movements were as fluid as a shadow''s, and he came to stand before the emperor, his expression now serious.

    "Cedric," Ivan began, his voice low and steady, "is far more treacherous than we anticipated. I infiltrated his study and found a hidden passage leading to a secret chamber. There, he communicated with Eryndor, the Royal Advisor of the Akerian Empire, through a magical orb."

    Arkanos turned, gazing out over the sprawling city below, his mind already calculating his next move. "Ivan," he said, his voice steady and resolute, "you''ve done well. The information you''ve gathered is invaluable. But now is not the time to act."

    Ivan tilted his head, a look of impatience in his crimson eyes. "But... my Lord... would it not be simpler to let me handle this? A single, swift strike in the dead of night, and Cedric''s treachery would be silenced forever."

    Arkanos shook his head, a faint smirk on his lips as he turned to face his assassin. "No, Ivan. A quick death would be far too kind for him. Let him proceed with his plans. Let him believe he has outmaneuvered me, that his ambitions are within reach."

    The emperor''s gaze grew colder, his voice laced with an unrelenting edge. "I want him to suffer. I want him to feel his world crumble, piece by piece, until there is nothing left but utter fear and despair. Only then will I personally put an end to him. Besides..."

    Arkanos gestured toward the sprawling city below, the firelight from the streets casting a warm glow against the darkness. "We should let him prepare and meet us at his best. Facing his forces will be an excellent challenge for my knights to test out their improved skills, there is much fun to be found in battle and conquest, and I for one would prefer to enjoy such an opportunity."

    "Also crushing him will serve as an example to all the nobles, of what awaits those who dare to betray me."

    Ivan inclined his head, listening intently as Arkanos continued. "His public downfall will not only secure my people''s love and loyalty, but also strengthen their faith in my rule. Fear and inspiration are powerful tools, Ivan, and Cedric will serve as the perfect example of both."

    Ivan bowed deeply, admiration evident in his tone as he spoke. "Truly ingenious, my Lord. I should have expected nothing less. Your wisdom far exceeds any petty scheme these traitors could devise."

    Arkanos''s cold smile returned. "Good. Then see to it that Cedric''s every move is monitored. Ensure no detail is overlooked. Besides that, also investigate all the other nobles on that list I gave you. When the time comes, I will make these fools understand..."

    "I will not accommodate weeds in my garden."

    "As you command, my Lord," Ivan replied, his voice filled with unwavering loyalty. With a fluid movement, he stepped back into the shadows, disappearing as silently as he had arrived.

    Arkanos remained on the balcony for a moment longer, his green eyes glinting. "Cedric," he murmured, his voice barely audible above the night wind. "Your downfall will be a lesson written in blood."

    Meanwhile... on the bed, Illena, the queen Arkanos assumed was already sleeping, smiled softly. She had overheard everything Arkanos and Ivan discussed, and for some reason, it made her excited.

    Her thoughts receded. ''I was partly worried he had somehow changed completely...''

    ''But I''m glad to see he still has that ruthless edge to him.''

    Her cheeks blushed as she thought even further. ''Oh, Arkanos... I feel like I''m falling in love all over again.''