[Emperor Cassius's POV]
Irethene.
A kingdom so quiet, I often forgot it existed.
They minded their own business. No border disputes. No trade meddling. No political games. They were the kind of kingdom that lived like a whisper—heard by no one, harming no one.
And because of that, I never saw them as a threat.
Never planned to conquer them.
Never even considered their name in war meetings.
Which is why, when the doors to the war chamber slammed open and a blood-soaked messenger stumbled inside, panting, pale, and barely coherent—I did not expect the words that followed.
"Y-Your Majesty…" he gasped. "The Kingdom of Irethene… they crossed the southern border—"
I straightened.
Regis looked up sharply. Theon—who had just poured tea—froze mid-pour.
"—they crossed during the night and ambushed our southern garrison. Dozens of knights, Your Majesty. Slaughtered."
Theon's jaw dropped. "What?"
