Chapter 3 -Antebellum Tempestatis

Western Frontier-Zaterrian/ Superbia Border , Fort Leobolt, Strategic Command

" The relationship between the Theocracy and The Empire is shaky at best, the brink of war as always, Lord Reinhald is the ambassador to the Pope,"

" Yes, has been for 5 years now and after he begged on his knees with tears in his eyes before the Emperor's Palace for a week he finally managed to get his family to stay in the Empire for the term of his Ambassadorship."

" Any man in his right mind would beg before the Emperor and the Pope for their family to stay home, if he knew his Ambassadorship meant his family was the first on the chopping block when war broke out."

Lord Marquis Clovis Darius Quinzel V, a General for the Crimson Imperial Army, The Maroon Lion Corps was his to command, was holding a closed doors conversation on politics as a general the state of the nation directly affects his job.

'Knock,knock'

"General Quinzel," a his first lieutenant Conrad Walhart, the youngest lieutenant general in the history of the Empire but 14 years old saluted him and General Xavier before continuing, "A message came for you from your brother, Marquis Michael Quinzel." Holding out the paperwork for the General to receive.

General Quinzel scanned the letter his brother sent him, with it his face darkened. ' Any man but my bastard of a brother, he finally managed to kill the old man.'

"General Xavier, I, unfortunately must take my leave from the Western Frontier, as it turns out my father passed away."

"The Duke of Kinterra had died last night! Yet another hero has fallen."

" Yes can you be sure to inform the others of my absence at the meeting"

The General and lieutenant left the study, "My condolences, Sir, Duke Quinzel will forever remain a hero of the Empire."

"My father's death saddens me, but it is my brother and what he plans to do in his death. My father will be heartbroken to watch the House of Quinzel fall into an era of chaos. But between Michael and George there will be war. Ready my horse pack nothing and call in the Burgundy Blood Roses we leave for Kinterra immediately."

Capital of The Red Lotus Empire, Blooming Dawn City, Quinzel Townhouse

"Finally the old fool is dead, with the news coming this late then Michael must have made some claim to the Duchy before he sent this message. I wonder what is the penalty for a duke once he commits fratricide". The Marquis sipped his tea before hurling the porcelain cup at the trembling maid, in the corner of the study. She was lucky today he missed showing he was in a good mood. After all the shards hit the ground and the scouring hot tea started to cool on her skin she snatched the shards and wiped up the rest of the tea. Just before she scurried out of the room the Marquis spoke, "Call for my sons and wife…"

"At once my Lord-"

" And come to my bedroom this evening there is something I would like to show you, Valentine that is your name." Her back stiffened, shivering with the possible implications.

"Vanessa Whitmore, My lord." Her mouth grew dry as her face paled, with the coming of her fate.

With a grunt he sent her away, pleased with him.