"Legal channels that the Emperor authorizes. There's a difference." Elara pulled out maps. "We need to move quickly though. If Duke Harland realizes Eleana betrayed the conspiracy, he might destroy evidence or accelerate the assassination timeline."
"Then we move tonight," Sera decided. "My agents hit Duke Harland's estate in three hours. We secure the evidence, present it to the Emperor tomorrow, and start arrests by the end of the week."
"Aggressive timeline."
"We're in the endgame now. Eleana is finished. Lera's murder is exposed. The First Consort is facing double murder charges. The noble conspiracy is about to collapse. This is when we consolidate power completely." Sera looked at Elara. "Are you ready for this? Because once we start, we can't stop. We either win completely or lose everything."
Elara met her sister's gaze. "I'm ready. Let's finish this."
---
Three hours later, Sera's agents raided Duke Harland's estate.
