Chapter 333: Enemies on all Sides

The room for the inner council was dead silent. Issac, Esmond, Alice and Abu all sat slightly nervous, the air feeling stuffy from it. The doors opening echoed, followed by a pair of cold footsteps. Isra looked at everyone with ice-cold eyes. In her hands, she held Edward, gently rocking him as the young boy peacefully rested on her shoulder, unable to feel the tension in the air.

A new Royal Guard pulled the chair for her and, taking a seat, she looked at everyone once again. "You all know why I have called you here?" Isra’s voice was venomous as she spoke. Her hands moved to cover Edwards’ ears. "Issac." Isra truend to face the Primce Minister. Issac felt his back go stiff. Lowering his head, he avoided eye contact. "Did you honestly make the announcement and not prepare for blow back formt the scum of the Empire?"

The sharpness in her voice was piercing and Issac lowered his head even more. "Your...Grace." He spoke quietly, not daring to raise his voice. Although he had never been afraid of Isra, he was terrified of Alfred. If Isra was furious at him right now, it meant Alfred would kill him when he returned. "I’m sorry."

"Sorry," Isra said mockingly. "Pathetic." Isra turned to face Esmond, the old man. It was a rare moment as he took a more submissive posture. "The old snake. The Greatest Underwell. The Shadow of the Empire. What a joke. An old man who failed in his duty. That’s all you are. My son, your future Emperor, nearly died because of your shortsightedness. And what do you have to say for yourself?"

"If you wish for me to offer my head for this failure, I shall." Esmond placed his hand on his chest and lowered his head. His voice was full of sincerity as he said that, and everyone knew that an Underwell was crazy enough to follow through.

But Isra dryly laughed and shook her head. Getting up, she walked over to Abu and handed Edward to him. Abu gently took him and stroked the young boy’s hair as he watched. "What do I want your head for?" As if talking to an idiot, Isra got into Esmond’s face. "You have it all wrong, old man. I will work you to death. Any freedom you had before is gone. You may be a Count, but that is now only in name. If I order you to bark, you will do it. If I order you to kill your son, you will do it. Whatever. Whenever. You will do as I say. Am I understood?"

Esmond looked at Isra and gave a single nod, his eyes hiding the deep shame he felt in his failures. Taking Edward back, Isra retook her seat, "Alice, Abu. You two will be of great importance in helping my son recover. Do not fail me." The two nodded, and Isra smiled, "You may leave." The two quickly got up, not daring to test their luck.

Lookign at the remaining two, Isra arrogantly leaned her head back. "My husband’s Empire still seems split. Despite all he has done for the people, some still wish to test his kindness. That has passed. Any believed traitors. Execute them. If any are confirmed, make an example of them. I permit you to mobilise the remaining Unyielding in the Empire for this. And let me make this clear. If so much as a single rat who has disloyal thoughts exists, you will be next. I promise this to you two."

"Your Majesty." Issac spoke up, "Are you sure?" He had to ask. Committing a purge was something, but to do so during a war and so soon after they wiped out the clergy was dangerous. Isra stared daggers into Issac and smirked.

"Of course. We are already openly fighting one enemy. We can’t risk having one behind us now, can we? Especially one who claims to be our friend." Isra could see Issac was still sceptical. Although she made her threats, everyone knew they were empty. She had no power to execute the heir to the most powerful Dukedom, let alone the Prime Minister. She also knew that Issac was genuinely concerned for the Empire.

"Don’t worry." Isra carried on, wishing to ease the pair. "The printing press will make sure to keep the people in line. We can get out our news faster than anyone else. The people will know that those who died were traitors. You just find me the evidence." Issac glared at Esmond, the two knowing what the statement meant. "Get to work. I want this done before Alfred returns."

The two got up and bowed towards Isra. Waiting for her to leave the room, Isaac finally raised his head and breathed a sigh of relief. "This is bad."

"Don’t question the order." Esmond quickly replied, "We need to send a message back to our enemies about what happens when they target the Imperial Family. It may be excessive, but we have orders." Esmond began walking to the door but stopped and turned back, "I have a list of names. Take the ones you wish to deal with. I will handle the rest."

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William and Michael looked at each other from across the river. The bridge had been all but complete, but was now being used as a way for refugees to cross to safety. Michael couldn’t help but clench his fists in annoyance at the tactics William was employing, and having August in the camp added to it.

Praying no longer had the calming effect he loved, and all he could do now was to try to finish the war soon. Only then could he leave the Commonwealth. "Tonight we launch a surprise raid against the Empire." August was surprised by Michael’s words.

"Even with peasants in their camp. Not what I ex..."

Michael waved his hand, cutting the old duke off. "I know, but this is becoming a problem now. At this rate, we will starve."

"Shall you lead the assault?" Michael was expecting August to rub in the fact that he was right, but the old man quickly moved on to talking strategy.

"I wish to test the Empire’s soldiers. I’ve heard they are dangerous. I will require some support from you, cavalry."

"It will be done," August said in an instant, and Michael nodded. Walking off, August’s eyes flashed with a sinister light as he looked at the distant refugees the church had begun taking care of. Michael watched him, and although it felt strange, he couldn’t help but brush it aside. Worrying about two problems would only leave him confused and ineffective.