Chapter 402: Declaring the Regency

"Remember the script," Julius said softly to Octavius. The general nodded, getting a smile as Julius turned to one of the servants at the double doors. Trumpets played from the other side of the doors as they slowly opened to reveal the bright ballroom.

Julius walked in first and waved down at the people, quickly followed by Octavius. Both men waited for the light applause to die down as Julius scanned the room. He saw his council members split up. His other siblings, old enough to attend, were hidden in a corner. His eyes narrowed. And Bardas stood with a man he didn’t know. The two were close enough to tell that they had been talking before his arrival.

Snapping out of his thoughts, the applause died down, and Julius smiled. "Countrymen. Today is a historic day for numerous reasons." Julius spoke proudly and called Octavius over to his side. The General held his head high, not daring to cower before the nobility. "Today we announce a new era for Severia. It is a shame that men conspired to kill General Albus, but in his death, we received Octavius."

Looking around, he saw many of the nobility smiling happily. He noticed, however, that those of the south frowned, wondering where the Emperor was. Julius smirked to himself, seeing that. The South was a loose end he had to deal with. The support they had for his father meant he would never get them on his side. Clearing his throat, he smiled once again.

"Whilst the ascension of Octavius is a blessed event, there is some bad news." Julius leaned on the railing and frowned, "Three days ago, I ordered the arrest of my Father." The crowd began to murmur among themselves. Julius had made sure to keep everything he had done quiet, and although those with an ear in the Palace would know, the majority of the nobles wouldn’t have.

"This arrest was not unjust, as he had released the traitor Cato from his cell before his execution. Octavius here gave chase to the Emperor, but unfortunately, he had assistance that allowed him to escape. That is why, after much discussion with my council, I declare myself Regent of the Empire." Julius looked at Octavius and took a step back, ignoring the nobility.

Octavius smiled and looked at the nobility. "Despite having lost Theodosius, I did uncover a crucial piece of information." Octavius’ face turned cold as he scanned the room, "Following his trail, I can confirm that he crossed the Colchis river. Now I do not believe that any lord here would harbour a fugitive, but by order of the Regent Julius Cosmatos, Crown Prince of Severia, martial law shall be put in effect in the Colchis region until the fugitive Theodosius Cosmatos is apprehended."

The room erupted as the southern lords of Colchis bared their teeth towards Julius and Octavius in hate. "This is unjust!" One baron barked loudly, and many turned to the duke of Colchis. Those smart enough to see he wasn’t fighting the order stayed silent alongside him.

"You will watch your tone when talking to me," Julius said coldly to the baron who yelled. "Those who work with the crown will not be harmed, but resistance can only be treated as guilt in these trying times. With Magnus in full-blown revolt, we do not have time to bicker amongst ourselves like children." Julius said coldly, shutting the nobility up, "I will do my job and play my role, you all shall do the same and only then will Severia reclaim the glory of the past."

Julius looked towards the musicians and nodded towards them to start the music up again. Walking off with Octavius, he smiled, "Get as much support as you can. Tomorrow we begin moving against Magnus." Octavius nodded and walked down the steps, joining the nobility on the ballroom floor. His charming smile quickly won them over, and she happily chatted.

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"Are your men ready?" Bardas asked Horace in a hushed tone. Getting a nod from the man, he smiled.

"Good. We begin now." Taking the drink from Horace’s hand, Bardas walked through the hall and quickly spotted the old Duke of the east. "Duke Elias." Bardas lowered his head in respect, "It is an honour you could come today."

"Count Ammorian," Elias said with slight disgust.

"Bardas is fine." Ignoring the disrespect, Bardas smiled and leaned in closer, pretending he was only handing the second glass in his hand. "We must talk. In private." Pulling back his face was completely serious. Whilst he may not have liked Bardas, Elias knew he worked closely with the Imperial and after Julius’ declaration as Regent, he assumed it was obvious he would wish to speak to the Dukes.

Seeing Julius wasn’t in the ballroom, he was sure of his theory and nodded, following behind Bardas. "How do you feel about His Highness?" Bardas made conversation and asked with interest.

Elias tried to gauge the reason behind the question. "Ever since his resurrection, His Highness has changed, for the better."

Bardas smiled at the non-answer. "Yes, he has become more stern. I just wonder if he is losing track of things. First, Cato escaped, and then Theodosius. If his enemies can escape whilst in his home, then I wonder how he plans to deal with Magnus."

"That is a matter better left to the General," Elias said coldly, getting a soft chuckle from Bardas.

"That is a dangerous thought. All it takes is one General to believe he should be Emperor, and he will have the throne. Look at the Cosmatos family, they have done exactly that."

Elias narrowed his eyes, "What about one bastard who thinks too highly of himself? Should we worry about him sitting on the throne?"

"Of course," Bardas said happily, surprising Elias, "After all, that’s what Magnus is doing. I never understood why Theodoisus gave me so many half-siblings. The act isn’t even that pleasant."

Elias nodded once in agreement, "He was a beast in his younger days. I don’t agree with his methods to deal with the problem, but he solved it."

"Yes..." Bardas’ words trailed, "I remember clearly." His eyes went cold, and Elias watched him carefully. Reaching a door that led outside, the two felt the cold air hit them.

"His Highness wishes to see me out here?" Elias asked suspiciously, getting a nod from Bardas.

"Inside, you never know who is listening." Elias understood and followed. The two walked through the garden, and Bardas paid careful attention to where he walked. He had given exact instructions on where Halfdan had to strike from, and he couldn’t risk any screw-ups.

After a few minutes of silence, Bardas spoke again, "I must ask the Duke. In these difficult times, can we count on your support?"

Elias felt a strange sense of dread at that question, and with Bardas dragging him outside, he felt like he was about to be silenced.’No. He’s not stupid enough to kill me here.’Elias felt he was getting paranoid and took a deep breath.

"Against Magnus, I will provide whatever is needed. He has become arroga..." All Elias saw was Bardas’ eyes go wide before hitting the ground hard. On his back, he saw the man’s outstretched arms as a second hooded figure held a knife.

"RUN!" Bardas cried out in a panic towards Elias. Jumping back, he reached under his trouser leg and grabbed the knife he had hidden away. It didn’t surprise Elias that Bardas was carrying a weapon, instead focusing on how an assassin got inside the Palace.

’The Emperor and Cato are on the run. They would still have supporters inside.’It was the only answer that made sense in his mind. The hooded figure looked at Bardas and, seeing Elias was closer, charged him. The old duke tried to throw himself to his feet, but the hooded figure was quicker.

Lifting the dagger over him, the two locked eyes. Elias thought it was over. He was weak and could no longer fight. Feeling around to find a loose stone or rock, he clicked his tongue when he couldn’t. Elias was ready to face death. But just before the hooded figure could stab him, Bardas dove forward, tackling the man.

"I TOLD YOU TO RUN!" Screaming at Elias, he threw a punch at the hooded figure’s face and lifted his knife. A strong kick hit his chest, throwing him off, and Elias finally stood up, running off. Looking back, he saw Bardas and the hooded figure exchanging blows like they were dancing.

After a few minutes, the hooded figure backed up and went around the corner. Taking his hood off, Halfdan let out a deep breath and smiled. "If this doesn’t work, then I don’t know."

"You won’t have much time to escape," Bardas said, carefully getting a small smile from Halfdan.

"Don’t worry." Pulling out a glass vial, Bardas noticed there was a small amount of crimson liquid at the bottom. "I’ve already created a fake blood trail. I will be fine. Your turn, I will be leaving."

"Bardas nodded and watched as Halfdan lifted his hood back up and ran off, disappearing into the darkness. Looking down at himself, he flipped the dagger in his right hand and used his left hand to feel around his chest and shoulder.

Finding the exact spot he wanted, Bardas held the dagger over his shoulder and lightly stabbed himself. His entire body tensed from the pain, and he grunted loudly. But Bardas didn’t let it affect him. Looking at the dagger in his shoulder, he pushed it an inch deeper before pulling out.

It was just deep enough to look like a real injury, but nothing that would cause permanent damage. Hearing footsteps in the distance, he let some of his blood fall onto his dagger.

"My lord, are you alright?" A guard ran over and crouched next to Bardas.

"I’m fine. The Duke." With a pained expression, he asked.

"I am fine, Lord Ammorian," Elias said thankfully, sighing in relief that Bardas was alive.

Bardas waved his good hand towards Elias in a friendly gesture before lifting his knife. "I manage to injure him. Get your men to search for a blood trail." Bardas gave the order, and the soldier nodded before ordering the others. Helping Bardas up, he slowly helped him back to the Palace.

"Shall we warn the Prince?" Elias asked, still looking around to see if more assassins were coming.

"No..." Bardas said coldly. Elias looked at him in shock, but seeing Bardas indicate to the guards, he realised he didn’t want to talk about it. After five minutes, the three arrived at the Palace, and the guard dropped Bardas in a small guest room. Running off to get medical supplies to treat him, he left Elias and Bardas alone.

"What are you thinking?" Elias asked, taking a seat.

"His Highness orders me to bring you outside to talk, yet never arrives himself. And it just so happens that today of all days, an assassin manages to get in."

"You are not implying that His Highness ordered a hit on me?" Elias scoffed at the thought.

"No. It was on me." With confidence, he gave his fake theory. "You should know it is me and Julius who do not like one another. Now he knows I would never go outside on my own, but the reason that he needed to talk to the eastern Duke alone. That was a good distraction."

Elias thought about it and felt it made sense. Looking at the man next to him, he sighed, "Whatever the case, I’m in your debt, Lord Ammorian."

’Exactly what I wanted.’Bardas nearly jumped up and danced at how well his plan worked, but contained it, only giving Elias a deep, thankful nod.