CHAPTER 310: THREE WEEKS

The imperial palace rose from the capital’s heart like a monument to absolute power. Guards in pristine uniforms lined the approaches.

Marble columns, giant archways, and the nost elaborate gardens one could fins in the empire. All of it designed to remind visitors exactly who held the reins in the Celestis Empire.

Grim walked through corridors he’d navigated countless times before, but something felt different now.

The ornate decorations seemed excessive. The bowing servants appeared almost comical. After weeks of mud and blood and genuine life-or-death stakes, palace politics felt like children playing dress-up.

The throne room doors opened onto familiar grandeur. Empress Alexia sat upon the throne with the posture of someone born to command. Her dress, deep purple silk with gold threading, cost more than most families saw in a year.

But her eyes held the sharp intelligence that had kept her in power through years of court intrigue and foreign wars.

"Lord Ambrose," she announced. "I’ve been expecting you."

"Your Majesty." Grim approached the throne with steady steps, ignoring the various courtiers who watched his progress with obvious curiosity. "I have questions that need answers."

"I imagine you do." The empress gestured to a chair that appeared beside the throne. "Sit. This may take a while."

He settled into the offered seat, acutely aware of how his travel-stained appearance contrasted with the silk and jewels surrounding him. The collection of elven ears at his belt drew stares from courtiers who had probably never seen actual battlefield trophies.

"You sent imperial soliders to aid my mission," Grim said directly. "Despite telling me the empire wouldn’t provide military aid for foreign operations."

"I did."

"Why?"

Empress Alexia studied his face for several seconds before answering. "Because I received intelligence suggesting your mission was more important than you initially indicated. Reports of elven military in the tens of thousands gathering."

"So you sent soldiers without telling me?"

"I sent observers with authorization to assist if circumstances warranted." The empress’s tone carried no apology. "They were never meant to be your primary force. Just... insurance."

"Insurance against what?"

"Against you getting killed before you could deliver whatever intelligence you gathered." She leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Lord Ambrose, was my caution justified?"

[She played you perfectly,] Caius observed with amusement. [Sent help while maintaining plausible deniability.]

Grim ignored the spectral commentary and reached into his pack. "You’ll have to judge for yourself."

He withdrew the scroll Emperor Yanyu had provided.

"The Yanyu Dominion requests formal military cooperation," Grim said, presenting the sealed orders. "They’re facing invasion by elves. Over two thousand soldiers in fortified mountain positions."

Empress Alexia broke the wax seal and read quickly, her expression growing more serious with each line. Around them, court officials whispered among themselves, trying to gauge the implications of whatever information was being shared.

"The number of elves are much higher than what you think they are, " she said finally. "Emperor Yanyu is essentially asking for a formal alliance against the elven threat."

"Will you provide it?"

"That depends on several factors." The empress set down the documents and fixed Grim with her most penetrating stare. "Starting with exactly how you gathered this intelligence."

"I killed elves and took their papers."

"How many elves?"

"Four hundred and seventeen."

The number fell into the throne room like a stone dropped into still water. Conversations stopped. Courtiers turned to stare. Even the empress seemed momentarily taken aback by the casual way he stated the figure.

"Four hundred and seventeen," she repeated slowly. "In how long?"

"Three weeks."

"By yourself?"

"Mostly. Captain Wei and his men helped with the final operations."

[Tell her about the ears,] Caius suggested.

"I kept trophies," Grim said, touching the collection at his belt. "Proof of each kill."

"Show me."

Grim untied the leather pouch and spilled its contents onto the floor. Hundreds of severed elven ears cascaded across the polished surface, their dried flesh and cartilage creating a macabre display that drew gasps from the assembled court.

"By the gods," someone whispered.

Empress Alexia examined the trophies with the detached interest of someone who had seen plenty of violence in her rise to power. She picked up one ear, studying its pointed tip and pale coloration.

"These are definitely elven," she confirmed.

"Impressive." The empress returned the ear to the pile. "Disturbing, but impressive."

"Will you support Emperor Yanyu’s request?"

"I’ll consider it. But first, we need to discuss your methods." She gestured toward the scattered ears. "Collecting trophies from defeated enemies is not standard imperial practice."

"Neither is genocide, but that’s what the elves are planning."

"Genocide?"

"They’re clearing the land for themselves."

The empress absorbed this information with the calculating expression of someone weighing political consequences against military necessities.

"If that’s true, then yes, we’ll support Emperor Yanyu," she said finally. "But under specific conditions."

"Which are?"

"You’ll lead the imperial forces assigned to assist the Yanyu Dominion."

"And you’ll refrain from actions that could embarrass the empire or create diplomatic complication."

"Such as?"

"Such as whatever you’re planning to do to Max Luminaris."

The name hung in the air like smoke for a moment. Grim felt his expression shift into something colder, more predatory. Around them, courtiers who recognized the name began whispering with obvious concern.

"What makes you think I’m planning anything for Max Luminaris?"

"Because Lady Lianna told her father what really happened in Yanyu territory. And Chancellor Levenhart told me." The empress’s voice carried a warning. "Max’s letter to Emperor Yanyu was despicable, but he’s still heir to one of our most powerful noble houses."

"I see."

"You cannot kill him, Lord Ambrose. The political consequences would destabilize the entire empire."

Grim’s smile spread slowly across his face like ice forming on still water. "Your Majesty, I have absolutely no intention of killing Max Luminaris."

[Oh, this should be interesting,] Caius commented with dark amusement.

"Then what do you intend?"

"To teach him the same lesson I taught four hundred and seventeen elves. That actions have consequences."

"Be specific."

"Max Luminaris used his family’s political influence to condemn an innocent woman to torture and death because she refused to marry him. He needs to learn what it feels like to be helpless. To have your fate decided by someone more powerful than yourself."

The empress studied his expression with obvious concern. "Lord Ambrose, I’m ordering you to leave Max Luminaris alone."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Grim’s tone carried perfect compliance even as his smile remained cold as winter stone. "I serve at the empire’s pleasure."

"Good. Then we understand each other."

"Completely. When do you want me to depart for Yanyu territory?"

"Two weeks. That will give us time to organize the imperial forces assigned to assist the operation."

"How many soldiers?"

"Ten thousand... Lord Ambrose, you’ve done exceptional work in gathering this intelligence. The empire is in your debt."

"I serve the empire’s interests, Your Majesty."

"See that you continue to do so."

Grim bowed appropriately and turned to leave, his boots echoing against marble as he walked back through the assembled court.

Whispered conversations followed in his wake, courtiers sharing their thoughts about the noble who wore enemy ears.

Outside the palace, Captain Wei waited with obvious curiosity about the meeting’s outcome.

"How did it go, my lord?"

"As expected. The empress wants elves dead, and Max Luminaris protected." Grim began walking toward where their horses were stabled. "We’ll accommodate both requirements."

"Both? I thought she ordered you to leave Max alone."

"She ordered me not to kill him." Grim’s smile returned, carrying the same warmth as a blade fresh from the whetstone. "There are many ways to destroy a man without ending his life."

[You’re going to enjoy this,] Caius observed.

"Yes," Grim agreed silently. "I believe I am."