As guards escorted the broken Duke from the chamber, the court remained in stunned silence. They had witnessed not just the trial of a traitor, but a revelation of vulnerabilities that threatened the foundations of their world.
The political implications would reverberate for months, but the immediate message was clear: the Sun Empress would show mercy to those who served darkness unwillingly, but her patience for those who chose corruption freely would be absolute and final.
****
Once the Duke was removed and the royal family dismissed, the Sun Empress called for her military council. The throne chamber was cleared of all but her most trusted advisors, people who had proven their loyalty through action rather than birth.
"Send word to all county leaders and military commanders," she commanded. "I want a full briefing on recent events, with particular attention to timing and coordination."
