Duke Ravenclaw landed in the palace courtyard with enough force to crack the stone beneath his feet—a deliberate display of power that made his Sovereign 6-Star cultivation abundantly clear.
He was a man who appeared to be in his fifties, with silver-streaked black hair and sharp features that suggested predatory intelligence. His robes were dark blue trimmed with silver, marking him as one of the Northern Reach lords—a faction Anthonio knew from his novel tended toward aggressive territorial expansion.
Anthonio descended from the palace entrance, his own Sovereign 2-Star aura flaring in response—not challenging, but refusing to show weakness. Behind him, his household assembled in careful formation. Selene and Lady Celeste flanked him most closely, their combined Sovereign-level power creating an impressive display.
"Duke Ravenclaw," Anthonio said formally, stopping at the appropriate diplomatic distance. "Your arrival is... unexpected. What urgent business brings you to Ashenvale?"
The Duke's eyes swept over Anthonio's assembled household, lingering briefly on each powerful woman before returning to Anthonio himself. A slight smile played on his lips—though whether amused or calculating, Anthonio couldn't tell.
"Lord Crimsonhart. I'll be direct, as time is critical." Ravenclaw's voice carried the weight of authority. "I'm here because the Northern Coalition has been monitoring your rise with great interest. Seventeen years old, Sovereign 2-Star, claimed prime territory, secured royal recognition—all in less than a month since leaving the Academy. Quite remarkable."
"The Northern Coalition?" Lyra stepped forward slightly, her strategist's mind already working. "That's the alliance of northern noble houses. Why would they be monitoring us specifically?"
"Because Lord Crimsonhart represents either a significant opportunity or a dangerous unknown," Ravenclaw replied. He pulled out a sealed document. "I'm here to offer you membership in the Northern Coalition—full alliance status, with all the resources and protection that entails."
The courtyard fell silent. This was unexpected—and potentially very significant.
"That's quite an offer," Anthonio said carefully. "What would membership entail?"
"Mutual defense pact, preferential trade agreements, shared intelligence networks, and voting rights in Coalition decisions." Ravenclaw's expression remained neutral. "In exchange, you contribute fifteen percent of your territory's resources to the collective treasury and provide military support when the Coalition calls for it."
Victoria's eyes narrowed. "Fifteen percent is substantial. And military support could mean committing to conflicts that aren't in our interest."
"It could," Ravenclaw acknowledged. "But it also means if anyone threatens Ashenvale—and believe me, several factions are already planning to do exactly that—you'd have the backing of twelve Sovereign-level lords and their combined forces."
"What factions?" Anthonio asked sharply.
Ravenclaw's smile turned grim. "The Shadow Syndicate, for one. They've been conducting surveillance on your territory for the past two weeks—those mysterious Sovereign-level scouts you detected. They view your rapid rise as a threat to their operations in the region."
So that explained the surveillance. The Shadow Syndicate—in Anthonio's original novel, they'd been a criminal organization that Kael eventually dismantled. But apparently in this timeline, they were targeting him instead.
"What else?" Selene asked, her shadow essence rippling with barely controlled aggression. She'd spent years fighting the Shadow Syndicate before being exiled.
"The Azure Sky Sect is considering challenging your territorial claim, arguing you're too young to properly manage it. The Merchant Coalition wants to force you into unfavorable trade agreements by threatening embargo. And there are at least three noble houses who see your success as an insult to traditional power structures and want you eliminated before you become too powerful."
It was a sobering list. Anthonio had known his rapid rise would attract attention, but this many threats simultaneously was concerning.
"And if I join the Northern Coalition, these threats disappear?" he asked skeptically.
"They become manageable," Ravenclaw corrected. "No one wants to fight the entire Northern Coalition over one territory. Most of these factions would back down rather than escalate to that level."
"What's the catch?" Lady Celeste interjected. "Offers this generous always have catches."
Ravenclaw's respect for her was evident in his slight bow. "Lady Nightshade. The catch, as you put it, is that the Northern Coalition expects loyalty. If you join, you're committing to our faction in kingdom politics. That means supporting our initiatives, opposing our enemies, and accepting that sometimes you'll be called to do things that aren't in your immediate self-interest but serve the Coalition's long-term goals."
"Essentially, trading independence for protection," Lyra summarized.
"Essentially, yes."
Anthonio considered the offer carefully. In his original novel, the Northern Coalition had been relatively neutral—not villains, but not particularly heroic either. They represented pragmatic power politics rather than ideological positions.
Joining them would provide significant security during this vulnerable growth phase. But it would also limit his freedom to pursue certain strategies and potentially conflict with his relationship with Queen Morgana and Princess Seraphine if Coalition interests diverged from royal interests.
"I need time to consider this," Anthonio said finally. "An offer this significant deserves proper evaluation."
"Of course," Ravenclaw replied. "However, time is limited. The Shadow Syndicate is planning to move against you within the week—likely an assassination attempt combined with a raid on your resource stores. If you're going to join the Coalition, I need your answer before they strike."
"How long do I have?"
"Three days. After that, the Coalition will assume you've declined and will adjust our regional strategy accordingly." Ravenclaw's tone made clear what that meant: they'd write off Ashenvale and let Anthonio deal with the threats alone.
"Three days then," Anthonio agreed. "I'll have an answer for you."
After Ravenclaw departed—with significantly less dramatic flair than his arrival—Anthonio convened an emergency strategic meeting with his core advisors: Seraphina, Lady Celeste, Victoria, Lyra, and Selene.
"Thoughts?" he asked once they were sealed in a secure conference room.
"The threat assessment is credible," Lyra said immediately, spreading intelligence reports across the table. "I've been tracking increased activity from multiple factions. The Shadow Syndicate in particular has been positioning assets around our borders."
"The Coalition offer is genuine but limiting," Victoria added. "Fifteen percent of resources is manageable, but the political commitment is concerning. If Coalition interests conflict with our other alliances—particularly the royal family—we could be forced into difficult positions."
Lady Celeste nodded agreement. "The Northern Coalition and the Crown have an uneasy relationship. They're not enemies, but they're not true allies either. Joining the Coalition could strain your connection with Queen Morgana."
"On the other hand," Selene pointed out, "without Coalition backing, we're vulnerable. Our defenses are good, but not good enough to repel a coordinated assault by the Shadow Syndicate plus one or two other factions simultaneously."
Seraphina had been quiet, but now she spoke. "What does your instinct tell you? Not as a strategist or a lord, but as the person who understands this world better than anyone."
Anthonio appreciated the question. His meta-knowledge of the original novel gave him insights others lacked.
"In the original timeline, the Northern Coalition remained neutral in most major conflicts. They're pragmatic—they'll support us as long as it serves their interests, but they won't sacrifice themselves for our sake." He paused. "The Shadow Syndicate, however, is genuinely dangerous. In the novel, they had resources and connections that rivaled small kingdoms. If they're targeting us specifically..."
"We need allies," Lady Celeste finished. "The question is whether the Coalition is the right choice or if there are better alternatives."
"What about leveraging our royal connections?" Victoria suggested. "Queen Morgana and Princess Seraphine could provide protection through official channels."
"Too visible," Lyra countered. "Making our royal connections public would expose them and create problems we're not ready to handle."
The discussion continued for hours, weighing options and consequences. Finally, Anthonio made a decision.
"We accept the Coalition's offer, but with modifications. I'll negotiate terms that give us more flexibility—maybe twelve percent instead of fifteen, and the right to abstain from military conflicts that directly contradict our other alliances."
"Ravenclaw might not accept modifications," Selene warned.
"Then we'll find out if they're as interested in us as they claim," Anthonio replied. "But I think they are. They came here personally, which means the Coalition sees strategic value in having us as members."
That evening, exhausted from the day's developments, Anthonio retreated to his private quarters. He was reviewing negotiation strategies when a knock came at his door.
"Come in," he called, expecting Victoria or Lyra with additional reports.
Instead, Ophelia Nightshade entered, looking uncertain but determined.
"Lord Crimsonhart," she said formally. "May I speak with you privately?"
Anthonio gestured to a chair. "Of course, Miss Ophelia. What's on your mind?"
The sixteen-year-old took a seat, her ice-blue eyes—so like her sister's—studying him carefully. "I need to understand something. My sister abandoned an engagement to the Crown Prince to join your household. My mother, who's been proper and distant for fifteen years since my father died, joined your household after meeting you once. What exactly are you doing to the women in my family?"
Anthonio couldn't help but smile slightly at her directness. "Nothing they don't choose for themselves. Your sister fell in love with me over two years of correspondence and meetings. Your mother... tested me and decided I was worthy of supporting your sister's choice."
"By joining your harem?" Ophelia's skepticism was evident. "That's not just supporting—that's participating."
"Your mother is a powerful woman who's been alone for fifteen years," Anthonio said carefully. "I think she saw an opportunity to feel alive again while simultaneously supporting your sister and gaining political advantage. It's complicated, but all voluntary."
Ophelia was quiet for a moment. "I've been watching the household today. Observing. Trying to understand." She met his eyes directly. "You have fourteen women. Some are clearly for politics—like Queen Morgana, though I'm not supposed to know about that. Some are for strategic advantage—like Lady Victoria. But some are here because they genuinely want to be. Because they've chosen you."
"Yes."
"Why?" Ophelia leaned forward. "I need to understand what makes you different. What makes powerful women—women who could have anyone—choose to share you rather than demand exclusivity?"
It was a fair question. And given Ophelia's age and perceptiveness, probably a question that had personal implications.
"Because I don't ask them to be anything other than who they are," Anthonio said honestly. "Your sister doesn't have to hide her ambition or her power. Your mother doesn't have to pretend to be something she's not. Each woman in my household has a role that matches who they actually are, not who society expects them to be."
"And the harem structure? That doesn't bother them?"
"Some more than others," Anthonio admitted. "But I'm honest about it from the start. I'm building an empire, and that requires multiple alliances, multiple connections, multiple sources of power. The women who join me understand that and either accept it or find ways to use it to their advantage."
Ophelia considered this carefully. Then she stood and moved closer, her expression intense.
"I have a proposition," she said. "In two years, I'll be eighteen. Legal adult. Able to make my own choices about marriage and alliances."
Anthonio felt a chill of anticipation. He could see where this was going.
"By then, you'll likely be even more powerful. Your empire will be more established. And I'll have reached Transcendence-level cultivation." Ophelia's voice was steady despite the boldness of what she was suggesting. "When that time comes, I want to join your household. Not as a child following her sister, but as a woman who's chosen her path."
"That's two years away," Anthonio said carefully. "A lot can change."
"I know. Which is why I'm not asking for commitment now. I'm asking for possibility." Ophelia met his eyes with surprising maturity. "I'm asking you to remember that the youngest Nightshade daughter might want to be part of what you're building. When the time is right."
It was a dangerous proposition. Ophelia was sixteen—too young by any reasonable standard. But her request was for consideration in two years, which would make her eighteen and legal.
"I'll remember," Anthonio said finally. "When you turn eighteen, if you still want this and if circumstances allow, we'll discuss it properly."
Ophelia nodded, satisfied. "That's all I'm asking for." She moved toward the door, then paused. "For what it's worth, I think my sister made the right choice. You're building something real. Something that could change the entire kingdom. I want to be part of that."
After she left, Anthonio sat in contemplative silence. Three Nightshade women—Seraphina already his Primary Wife, Celeste integrated into the household, and now Ophelia expressing interest for the future.
The Nightshade family was becoming thoroughly intertwined with his empire.
Two days later, negotiations with Duke Ravenclaw concluded successfully. Anthonio had managed to negotiate down to twelve percent resource contribution and secured the right to abstain from military actions that directly conflicted with other formal alliances—though he'd had to agree to provide enhanced intelligence sharing in exchange.
The Northern Coalition formally accepted Ashenvale as a member territory.
That evening, as celebration preparations were underway, Cassandra found Anthonio on the palace balcony overlooking the territory.
"Big day," she said, joining him. "Coalition membership secured, Shadow Syndicate threat neutralized through alliance, political position strengthened significantly."
"All good developments," Anthonio agreed.
"And yet you seem troubled." Cassandra studied him. Since their Dual Cultivation breakthrough, she could sense his emotional state more clearly. "What's bothering you?"
"Just thinking about how complicated everything is becoming," Anthonio admitted. "Fourteen women in the household. Three more potentially joining eventually—Ophelia in two years, plus I know there are others who'll approach as the empire grows. Coalition politics to navigate. Royal connections to maintain. The Continental Council watching everything I do."
"Getting overwhelming?" Cassandra asked without judgment.
"Sometimes," Anthonio said honestly. "I wrote this world. I planned all of this. But actually living it, actually managing all these relationships and responsibilities while building an empire... it's more complex than I imagined when I was just an author creating plot points."
Cassandra moved closer, her hand finding his. "You know what I think? I think you need to stop worrying about the strategic implications of everything for one night and just be human. Just be Anthonio, not Lord Crimsonhart the empire builder."
"And how do I do that?"
"By letting me remind you," Cassandra said, pulling him toward his chambers. "We're bonded now. Permanently connected. Let me show you what that really means."
[R-18 SCENE - CASSANDRA: BONDED INTIMACY]
Inside his chambers, Cassandra sealed the door and activated privacy formations. But unlike their previous encounters—competitive and intense—this time she was different. Softer. More intimate.
"We've fucked before," she said, slowly removing her robes. "Multiple times. But we've never made love. Not really. Not since we became bonded."
Anthonio felt the truth of her words through their connection. Since the Dual Cultivation breakthrough, their relationship had shifted from purely physical to something deeper.
"Then show me," he said quietly, removing his own clothing.
They came together slowly, exploring each other's bodies with renewed appreciation. Cassandra's skin was warm, her muscles toned from years of training, her lightning essence creating pleasant tingles wherever they touched.
But what made it different was the bond. Anthonio could feel her emotions—her genuine affection, her desire, her satisfaction at being part of something bigger than herself. And she could feel his—the weight of responsibility he carried, the genuine care he had for everyone in his household, the exhaustion and determination that drove him forward.
"I can feel how much you care," Cassandra whispered as his hands explored her body. "About Seraphina, about the household, about building something that lasts. You're not just using people—you genuinely want everyone to succeed."
"Is that surprising?"
"A little," she admitted. "You're supposed to be the villain. The antagonist. But you're more complicated than that. More human."
Anthonio lowered her to the bed, positioning himself between her thighs. "And how do you feel about that? About being permanently bonded to someone so complicated?"
"Grateful," Cassandra replied without hesitation. "Because complicated means interesting. Means real. Means I'll never be bored."
He entered her slowly, giving them both time to feel every sensation amplified by their bond. When he was fully seated, they both gasped at the intensity—not just physical pleasure, but emotional and spiritual connection layered on top.
"This is incredible," Cassandra breathed, her legs wrapping around his waist. "I can feel what I feel like to you. Feel your pleasure mixing with mine."
"It's feedback," Anthonio explained, beginning to move in slow, deep thrusts. "Everything I feel, you feel. Everything you feel, I feel. It doubles back on itself."
The rhythm they established was unhurried, focused on connection rather than urgency. Anthonio's hands explored Cassandra's body while his mouth found hers in deep, languid kisses. She met each thrust with gentle pressure, her hands tracing patterns on his back.
"I love this," Cassandra murmured. "Not just the sex—though that's amazing—but this. Being connected to someone this completely. Never being truly alone."
"You'll always be able to find me now," Anthonio confirmed, his pace gradually increasing. "Distance doesn't matter. If you ever need me, just reach through the bond and I'll feel it."
The emotional weight of that promise combined with increasing physical pleasure pushed Cassandra toward the edge. "I'm close," she gasped. "Can you feel it?"
"I can feel everything," Anthonio replied, his own climax building. Through the bond, he could sense her approaching orgasm, which triggered feedback that intensified his own pleasure, which fed back to her, creating an escalating loop.
When they came together, the sensation was overwhelming. Their essences—lightning and twilight—exploded outward in perfect synchronization, their bond glowing with power as pleasure crashed through both of them simultaneously.
They collapsed together, breathing heavily, still connected physically and spiritually.
"That was..." Cassandra couldn't find words.
"Yeah," Anthonio agreed, pulling her close. "That was exactly what I needed. Thank you."
"Always," Cassandra said, settling against his chest. "That's what being bonded means. I'm always here for you. No matter what."
[END R-18 SCENE]
The next morning brought news that the Shadow Syndicate had indeed attempted to raid Ashenvale during the night—only to find Northern Coalition scouts already positioned around the territory as part of the new alliance. The raiders had withdrawn rather than escalate to open conflict with the Coalition.
"The alliance is already paying dividends," Victoria reported during morning briefings. "The Shadow Syndicate's withdrawal sends a clear message: attacking Ashenvale means fighting the entire Northern Coalition."
"What about the other threats Ravenclaw mentioned?" Lyra asked.
"The Azure Sky Sect has sent conciliatory messages. The Merchant Coalition is requesting formal trade negotiations rather than demanding terms. The noble houses are quiet—likely reassessing their positions." Victoria smiled with satisfaction. "Coalition membership has stabilized our political situation significantly."
Anthonio nodded approval, but his attention was drawn to another report. "What's this about Princess Seraphine requesting a private meeting?"
"She arrived an hour ago," Selene reported. "Waiting in the diplomatic receiving room. She says it's urgent and personal."
Anthonio excused himself and made his way to the receiving room, where he found Princess Seraphine looking uncharacteristically nervous.
"Your Highness," he said formally, aware that others might be watching. "What brings you to Ashenvale?"
"I need to speak with you privately," she said, glancing at the servants. "Somewhere completely secure."
They retired to Anthonio's private office, where he activated every security formation available. Only then did Seraphine relax.
"I have news," she said quietly. "About Kael."
Anthonio's attention sharpened. "What about him?"
"He's been investigating you. Obsessively. He knows about the artifacts you've claimed—the ones that were 'supposed' to be his according to some prophecies he's discovered. He knows about your rapid advancement. And he's starting to suspect that someone with foreknowledge is interfering with his destiny."
This was concerning. In the original novel, Kael had been trusting—never suspecting that his opportunities were being stolen until much later. But apparently this timeline's Kael was more perceptive.
"How close is he to the truth?" Anthonio asked.
"Close enough to be dangerous. He hasn't figured out you're the one responsible, but he's looking for whoever is." Seraphine met his eyes seriously. "And there's more. He's found a new ally—someone I don't recognize from court. A woman who appeared recently, calling herself Lady Meridian. She's Sovereign 5-Star and claims to have 'insights into fate and destiny.'"
Anthonio felt a chill. Lady Meridian—that name didn't appear anywhere in his original novel. Which meant she was either a minor character he'd forgotten or, more worryingly, something new that shouldn't exist in this timeline.
"Describe her," he demanded.
"Tall, silver hair, purple eyes. Her cultivation feels... wrong somehow. Not demonic, but not normal either. And when she looks at you, it's like she can see things others can't."
Purple eyes. Non-standard cultivation. Insights into fate.
Anthonio's mind raced through possibilities, and landed on one that made his blood run cold: Could she be another reincarnator? Another author or reader who'd been inserted into this world?
If so, that changed everything.
"Thank you for the warning," Anthonio said, his mind already working through implications. "I need you to gather more information on this Lady Meridian. Everything you can find—her background, her abilities, her connection to Kael."
"I'll do what I can," Seraphine promised. "But Anthonio... be careful. If she really can see fate or destiny, she might realize what you are. What you've done."
After she left, Anthonio immediately convened another emergency meeting with his core advisors. When he explained the situation, the reactions were immediate and concerned.
"Another reincarnator would be catastrophic," Lyra said bluntly. "If she has the same meta-knowledge you do, she'll know all your plans. All your advantages disappear."
"Worse," Lady Celeste added. "If she's allied with Kael and feeding him information about stolen opportunities, she could help him reclaim his protagonist status."
"We need more information before we panic," Victoria said pragmatically. "This Lady Meridian might not be a reincarnator at all. There are cultivation techniques that provide precognition or fate-reading abilities."
"But we can't ignore the possibility," Selene countered. "If there's even a chance she's like Lord Crimsonhart, we need to prepare for that scenario."
Anthonio made a decision. "Selene, activate your full intelligence network. I want everything on Lady Meridian—where she came from, who she's connected to, what her capabilities are. Victoria, review our plans and identify which ones would be compromised if someone else had meta-knowledge. Lyra, work on contingencies for various scenarios."
He looked around at his assembled advisors—his wives, his allies, his household. "This could be the first real threat to everything we've built. We handle it carefully, intelligently, and decisively."
As the meeting dispersed and everyone moved to their assigned tasks, Seraphina found Anthonio alone in his office.
"You're worried," she observed, reading his expression easily. "More worried than you were about the Shadow Syndicate or the Coalition."
"Because the Shadow Syndicate and Coalition are known threats," Anthonio admitted. "But if Lady Meridian is what I think she might be... she's an unknown. And unknowns are far more dangerous."
Seraphina moved behind his chair, her hands settling on his shoulders. "Then we'll face her together. You, me, the household, the alliances we've built. You're not alone in this anymore, Anthonio. Whatever she is, whatever she can do, you have resources she doesn't."
"What resources?"
"Love," Seraphina said simply. "Real connections. People who chose to follow you not because of destiny or fate, but because of who you are. That's something a protagonist's plot armor can't match."
[R-18 SCENE - SERAPHINA: REASSURANCE AND DEVOTION]
Anthonio pulled Seraphina around to face him, then drew her down into his lap. "You always know what I need to hear."
"That's because I know you," Seraphina replied, her arms wrapping around his neck. "Better than anyone. I know the weight you carry, the pressure you feel, the constant calculation required to keep everything moving forward."
"Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it," Anthonio admitted quietly. "All this complexity. All these risks. Wouldn't it be simpler to just cultivate peacefully, avoid attention, build a quiet life?"
"It would be simpler," Seraphina agreed. "But it wouldn't be you. You're an empire builder, Anthonio. A world changer. Asking you to be quiet and peaceful would be like asking lightning to be gentle."
She kissed him—not urgently, but with deep affection and promise. "Let me remind you why all of this matters. Why you're fighting so hard to build something lasting."
Anthonio stood, carrying her toward the office's private chamber—a small room attached for rest during long work sessions. It had a bed, basic amenities, and complete privacy.
He laid Seraphina down gently, his hands already working at her elegant robes. "I love you," he said quietly. "Not strategically. Not politically. Just... genuinely, completely love you."
"I know," Seraphina replied, her own hands helping remove his clothing. "That's why I'm here. Why I chose you over a crown prince. Because what we have is real, and real is more valuable than any empire."
Their lovemaking was slow and intimate, focused entirely on each other rather than performance or intensity. Anthonio explored Seraphina's body like he was memorizing every curve, every sensitive spot, every small reaction.
"You're beautiful," he murmured, his mouth trailing down her neck. "And brilliant. And strong. Everything I could ever want."
"Then take what's yours," Seraphina whispered, her legs spreading in invitation. "Claim your Primary Wife. Remind me why I'm the foundation of everything you build."
Anthonio positioned himself and entered her slowly, watching her face as pleasure bloomed across her features. She was tight and wet and perfect, her ice essence creating pleasant contrast to his twilight power.
They moved together in perfect synchronization, years of connection allowing them to read each other's needs instinctively. Anthonio's thrusts were deep and steady, designed to maximize intimacy rather than urgency.
"I'm yours," Seraphina breathed as pleasure built. "Completely, eternally yours. No matter how many women join this household, I'm the one who knows you best. Who loves you most. Who'll stand with you against anything."
"My Primary Wife," Anthonio confirmed, his pace increasing slightly. "My partner. My love. Always."
Their climax built gradually, neither rushing despite the overwhelming sensation. When they finally came together, it was with deep satisfaction rather than explosive release—connection and intimacy rather than pure physical pleasure.
Afterward, they lay tangled together, neither wanting to move.
"Whatever Lady Meridian is," Seraphina said quietly, "whatever threat she represents, we'll handle it. Together."
"Together," Anthonio agreed, holding her close. "Always together."
[END R-18 SCENE]
That evening, as the household gathered for dinner, Anthonio made an announcement.
"We have a new priority. Someone named Lady Meridian has appeared and allied with Kael. She may represent a significant threat to our operations. Until we understand what she is and what she's capable of, everyone needs to be on high alert."
"What about our other plans?" Elena asked. "The trade expansion, the cultivation resource development?"
"Continue as scheduled," Anthonio decided. "We don't let potential threats paralyze us. But we add security protocols. We assume someone might have information they shouldn't. We plan contingencies."
He looked around at the faces of his household—fourteen women who'd chosen to follow him, each powerful and capable in their own way.
"We've built something real here. Something worth protecting. And we're going to keep building it, no matter what obstacles appear."
As dinner continued and conversation turned to lighter topics, Anthonio felt Cassandra's presence through their bond—a reassuring reminder that he wasn't alone in this.
And in his peripheral vision, he caught Ophelia watching him thoughtfully, her young face determined.
Two years, she'd said. In two years, she wanted to join this empire.
Anthonio had a feeling those two years were going to be very interesting indeed.
END CHAPTER 46