[Emperor Cassius's Pov]
The door to the meeting room groaned as I pushed it open.
The scent of old parchment and cold stone met me—familiar, irritating. Grand Duke Regis was already seated inside, wearing that insufferable look he always did. That smug, calculating calm. Like his mind was always turning, sowing some useless seeds no one else could see yet.
But that wasn't what mattered now.
I didn't waste my breath. "Did you catch the bastard?" My voice cut through the air like a drawn blade as Theon followed me in.
Regis stood, bowed slightly, and answered with infuriating calm, "Maybe, yes, your majesty."
My brow furrowed as I took my seat. Theon remained standing at my side, as confused as me.
"Maybe?" I echoed.
Regis nodded and sank back into his chair. "The web has been traced, your majesty. We followed every whisper, every courier, every bribed priest, and every backdoor conversation." His voice was steady. Measured. "It all leads to one man."
"Who?" I snapped.
