"The Zygorian army is already on the move," one of the dukes said. "They crossed their inner camps the moment the news spread. The emperor is dead."
Lionhead didn't turn around. He stood beside the throne, arms folded, looking out over the capital.
"They've lost their memory," he said calmly. "I am the reason they stayed behind their borders all these years."
He turned then. Slowly. His size alone made the seven dukes straighten without meaning to.
"What suddenly gave them courage?"
The duke who had spoken first cleared his throat. "They believe you're… divided."
Lionhead's eyes narrowed.
"Explain."
Another duke stepped forward. "The empire is in transition. The emperor is gone. Princess Elizabeth is not of age to rule yet. They think your focus will be split between guarding the borders and protecting the throne."
A low silence followed.
House Valen's duke scoffed. "Idiots. Victory doesn't wait for coronations."
