Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 90: Treason

By imperial decree, the emergency session had been called with only hours’ notice. The chamber filled quickly as the heads of each noble house took their designated positions, an undercurrent of tension and speculation running through the assembly.

Grim took his assigned seat.

Julius sat rigid in his formal attire, his face composed but a muscle twitching occasionally in his jaw. The only visible sign of his fury over Aithen’s death. Lord Orvannis sat three seats away, his expression revealing nothing, though he inclined his head slightly when Grim caught his eye.

House Draykar’s seat remained conspicuously empty.

At precisely the appointed hour, trumpets sounded, announcing the imperial procession. All rose as the Empress entered, followed by the Princess, Archmage Marcus in his deep blue robes, and Chancellor Levenhart. She took her place on the imperial throne, the others arranging themselves on slightly lower seats to her right and left.

"Be seated," she commanded, her voice carrying effortlessly through the chamber.

When all had complied, she continued. "I have called this emergency session to address a matter of grave concern to imperial security. Evidence has come to light implicating House Draykar in treasonous activities, including collaboration with agents from the Demon Lands."

A wave of murmurs swept through the chamber. The Empress raised a hand, silencing them.

"Chancellor Levenhart will present the evidence."

The Chancellor rose, his tall figure commanding attention. "Earlier today, Lord Ambrose brought to the Empress’s attention certain documents discovered during an investigation into an assassination attempt on his life. These documents suggested House Draykar’s involvement not only in the attempt on Lord Ambrose, but in a wider conspiracy involving elven agents."

He gestured to Captain Thorne of the Imperial Guard, who approached with several large folios. "Imperial Guards, with my authorization, conducted a search of Lord Draykar’s estate. They discovered extensive correspondence between Lord Draykar and contacts in the Demon Lands, spanning several years."

The Captain opened one folio, removing a document that was passed among the council members. "This letter details arrangements for the placement of the elven spy Talyra in the imperial tournament. The same spy exposed and eliminated by Lord Ambrose."

Julius Luminaris’s voice cut through the resulting commotion. "This is highly irregular, Your Majesty. House Draykar has been a pillar of imperial society for generations. To conduct such a search without first consulting the council...."

"Are you questioning the Empress’s authority in matters of imperial security, Lord Luminaris?" Chancellor Levenhart asked sharply.

Julius straightened. "Of course not, Chancellor. I merely express concern about the process. House Draykar should be represented here to answer these accusations." ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

"Lord Draykar will have his opportunity to speak," the Empress replied. "For now, we are reviewing the evidence. Continue, Chancellor."

Levenhart nodded. "The documents further reveal that House Draykar has been passing sensitive imperial information to the Demon Lands for at least five years. Military movements, trade negotiations, even details of noble house alliances."

He held up another document. "Most concerning is this communication outlining a plot to assassinate key imperial officials, including members of this council."

The chamber erupted in alarmed voices. Archmage Marcus leaned forward, his weathered face grave as he examined one of the documents. The Princess remained impassive, though her eyes narrowed slightly.

Lord Orvannis rose to speak. "Your Majesty, these accusations are indeed grave. But I find myself wondering why House Draykar would undertake such risk. What was their motive?"

A perfect opening. Grim caught Orvannis’s eye briefly.

The Empress gestured to Grim. "Lord Ambrose, as the one who discovered the initial evidence, perhaps you have insight?"

Grim rose, feeling all eyes in the chamber turn to him. "Based on the documents recovered, it appears House Draykar was promised significant territorial concessions in the event of a Demon Lands incursion. Land, titles, and authority beyond what they currently hold."

He paused, allowing the implication to sink in. "It seems they believed the Empire’s current power structure was... an impediment to their ambitions."

Julius Luminaris stood abruptly. "This is absurd! House Draykar has been a steadfast ally to many houses for decades. These so-called documents could easily be forgeries, designed to discredit a noble house without proper examination."

"Are you suggesting that Imperial Intelligence is incompetent, Lord Luminaris?" the Archmage asked again. "Our experts have verified the authenticity of these documents."

"I suggest nothing of the sort," Julius backpedaled smoothly. "Only that in matters of such importance, we must proceed with the utmost caution. Lord Draykar deserves the opportunity to defend himself against these accusations."

The Empress’s voice cut through the tension. "Lord Draykar will have that opportunity at his trial. Until then, he and the implicated members of his household will remain in imperial custody."

She surveyed the chamber, her gaze lingering briefly on Grim. "The evidence presented here today is compelling. House Draykar appears to have betrayed the Empire’s trust in the most fundamental way. Should these charges be proven at trial, the consequences will be severe."

Her eyes shifted to Julius Luminaris. "As to any suggestion of forgery or fabrication, I remind the council that false accusations of treason carry penalties nearly as severe as treason itself. I trust no one here would risk such consequences lightly."

The implied warning was clear. Julius sat down slowly, his expression was neutral.

"This council will reconvene after Lord Draykar’s trial to determine final disposition of House Draykar’s assets, territories, and responsibilities," the Empress continued. "Until then, all trade contracts and diplomatic arrangements involving House Draykar are suspended."

She rose, signaling the end of the session. "We face troubled times, my lords and ladies. Vigilance is required of us all. Let this serve as a reminder that the Empire’s security depends on the loyalty of its noble houses."

As the assembly rose and bowed, Grim caught sight of Julius Luminaris’s eyes fixed on him with cold fury. The message was clear: Julius knew exactly what Grim had done. But with the evidence mounting against House Draykar and the Empress’s implicit warning against unfounded accusations, there was little he could do about it.

The council members began filing out, voices low as they discussed the shocking revelations. Grim remained in his seat, allowing the crowd to thin before making his exit. As he finally rose to leave, he found Lord Orvannis waiting nearby.

"A most enlightening council session, Lord Ambrose," Orvannis remarked quietly. "House Draykar’s fall will reshape the balance of power significantly."

"Indeed it will," Grim agreed. "Vacuums rarely remain unfilled for long."

"My estate, tomorrow evening," Orvannis said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We have much to discuss about filling that vacuum."

Without waiting for a response, Orvannis moved away, joining the last of the departing nobles.

Grim allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction as he left the chamber. Everything was proceeding according to plan. House Draykar would fall. House Orvannis would ally with House Ambrose. And Julius Luminaris would find himself increasingly isolated.