Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 126: A Foot in the Door

Julius waited for the Empress in the small chamber. He decided to stand despite the cushioned chairs available to him. He knew the Empress preferred her visitors slightly uncomfortable, and he would not give her the satisfaction of finding him seated when she arrived.

He adjusted the high collar of his robes, ensuring his house crest was available for everyone to see.

The door opened without announcement. The Empress entered, and Julius bowed.

"Lord Luminaris," the Empress acknowledged, gliding to the high-backed chair at the head of the stone table.

"Your Majesty," Julius straightened. "The demands of managing the eastern provinces have kept me occupied."

"Sit," the Empress commanded, gesturing to a chair positioned so the light from the window would shine directly into his eyes. "We are told you requested this audience with some urgency."

"Indeed, Your Majesty. I’ve received troubling news from the southern coast that I felt obligated to bring directly to your attention."

"How conscientious," the Empress remarked. "And what news from the south concerns you so deeply?"

"Word has reached me of Lord Ambrose’s unfortunate disappearance," Julius said, watching the Empress’s face carefully. "If true, this represents a significant disruption to security."

The Empress’s expression remained impassive. "Interesting that this word reached you before it reached the throne."

"A coincidence of timing, nothing more," Julius replied smoothly. "I maintain modest trade interests in Port Velmira. My representative there sent a bird immediately upon hearing rumors at the harbor."

"Rumors?" The Empress raised an eyebrow. "So you’ve come to me with unverified harbor gossip, Lord Luminaris?"

Julius allowed himself a small smile. "I would not waste Your Majesty’s time with mere gossip. My representative confirmed the information with contacts in the Warden’s Residence itself. Lord Ambrose vanished while investigating ruins near the port. He has not been seen for over a week."

The Empress folded her hands on the table. "And your concern in this matter stems from...?"

"Stability, of course," Julius replied. "The southern shores have seen unusual disturbances recently. Without firm leadership, problems could arise that would impact the entire Empire."

Julius leaned forward slightly. "The southern shores require someone with both military experience and noble authority. Someone who can command respect while maintaining order."

"Someone like yourself, perhaps?" the Empress suggested, her voice cool.

"I would not presume to suggest a replacement for Lord Ambrose," Julius said with humility. "Merely to offer my services to the Empire in whatever capacity Your Majesty deems appropriate."

"Your concern for the Empire is noted." The Empress studied him for a moment. "Tell me, Lord Luminaris, what else did your representative report? Were there unusual circumstances surrounding Lord Ambrose’s disappearance?"

Julius hesitated. "There were reports of strange weather patterns. Unnatural tides. Some superstitious locals even claimed to have seen monsters in the water."

"Monsters," the Empress repeated. "How colorful."

"Local imaginations often run wild during times of crisis," Julius agreed. "Though I find it curious that such disturbances appeared so soon after Lord Ambrose’s appointment to oversee the region."

The implication hung in the air between them.

She rose from her seat, signaling the audience was nearing its end. "You raised a valid concern about the southern shores. Until Lord Ambrose returns or his fate is determined, those territories will require oversight."

Julius stood as well, anticipation building. "I am prepared to serve the Empire in any capacity, Your Majesty."

"So you’ve said." The Empress moved toward the door, then paused. "Lord Raethel will assume temporary responsibility for the southern defense."

Julius couldn’t entirely hide his surprise. "Lord Raethel? But his territories lie in the northwest. He has no experience."

"He has experience with patience and restraint," the Empress replied. "Valuable qualities to have."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Julius managed, disappointment burning beneath his smile. "A wise choice."

The Empress regarded. "However, your concern is appreciated. Perhaps you might assist Lord Raethel by making sure everything is in order."

It was a lesser role than he’d hoped for, but a foot in the door nonetheless. "I would be honored, Your Majesty."

"Excellent." The Empress moved to leave, then turned back. "One last thing, Lord Luminaris. Should your representative in Port Velmira hear any further news, I expect to be informed immediately. Before anyone else."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

The Empress departed, leaving him alone in the Small Chamber.

He remained standing for a long moment, replaying the conversation in his mind.

Julius walked to the window, looking out over the imperial gardens where the Empress had been walking earlier.

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Five days later, Princess Liona’s carriage passed through the outer gates. Behind her rode Lianna and the Obsidian Knights, their journey from Port Velmira had finally ended.

Servants rushed to attend to them as they dismounted in the courtyard. A palace official approached Liona and spoke to her.

"Your Highness, welcome home. The Empress would like to see you."

Liona nodded, fatigue evident in her face from her long journey. "I will refresh myself and see my mother after im all set."

As the group dispersed, Lianna caught Liona’s arm. "Your mother will want to know everything. What will you tell her?"

Liona glanced around to ensure they weren’t overheard. "The truth. All of it."

"Even about the dragon creatures? And Grim stepping willingly into that pool?"

"Especially that," Liona replied, her hand moving unconsciously to the crescent pendant at her throat. "I believe she’s been waiting for something like this to happen."

Lianna frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Something my mother once said about the Ambrose family." Liona’s eyes held a troubled look. "I think she knows more about where Grim has gone than anyone."

They parted ways, Liona prepared to meet with the Empress. Lianna made her way into a different part of the palace to look for her father. Neither noticed the shadowy figure that had observed their arrival from a high window, nor saw him slip away to report to his master.

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As Julius left the palace, a sense of unease followed him. The Empress knew more than she was letting on.

He would need to tread carefully. The position with Lord Raethel was not what he’d hoped for, but it would give him access to records, reports, and perhaps insights into the Grim’s activities.