Subjugation

"This is a direct challenge. He knows that we won't kill the boy."

Alric's words echoed in the room, and that made Korvan's pacing grow more furious with each passing second, his mind churning with anger. "Kill the boy," he growled, his voice filled with venom. "We should cut his head off right now and throw it at Rackenshore's gates. Show them what happens when they cross me!"

Alric, standing in the shadows just beside Korvan's throne, narrowed his eyes slightly but maintained his calm demeanor. "Korvan, we can't do that," he said, his tone measured and calculating. "If we kill the boy, we lose our only leverage. The moment his head rolls, Baron Edris will have no reason to hold back. He'll come at us with everything he has."

Korvan spun on his heel, glaring at Alric. "He's already coming at us!" he roared. "That damn decree is proof enough that the baron has decided to confront me. He doesn't care about his son's life anymore!"