Chapter 410 - CH 410 — Cracks in the Throne

Midnight settled heavily across Regina Estate, and although the ancient residence remained illuminated by carefully placed lamps that softened the darkness gathering beyond its walls, an unusual stillness lingered throughout the corridors as though the estate itself sensed a change approaching. Alessandro stood alone inside his office overlooking the sleeping grounds below, one hand resting against the edge of his desk while the other remained buried inside his pocket, and despite the mountain of reports spread before him, his attention had long since drifted elsewhere. The responsibilities of leadership had never frightened him because he had been raised to carry burdens without complaint, yet recent weeks had introduced a different challenge entirely, one his father had warned him about years ago during a conversation he had never forgotten.