Lucian sat stiffly in the luxurious guest chambers of the palace, staring at the absurdly comfortable couch as if it might explode. Dorian paced back and forth, muttering calculations under his breath, while Elaine lounged in a chair, looking far too amused for Lucian’s liking.

  "Alright," Lucian exhaled. "What’s the plan? How do we make this problem go away?"

  Dorian stopped pacing long enough to shoot him a panicked glare. "You don’t understand. The Emperor is interested in you. That means nobles are either going to try to ally with you or completely destroy you."

  Lucian groaned. "I hate both of those options. What about a third one?"

  Elaine smirked. "What, run away and live in the mountains?"

  Lucian snapped his fingers. "Exactly! We disappear, find a quiet village, and pretend none of this ever happened."

  Dorian rubbed his temples. "That is not an option, my lord. You have inadvertently become one of the most influential figures in the empire."

  Before Lucian could protest, a knock at the door interrupted them. A royal attendant entered and bowed. "His Majesty requests your presence for a private discussion."

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  Lucian paled. "Private discussion? As in… alone?"

  The attendant nodded. "Immediately."

  Lucian took a deep breath. "Fantastic."

  The Emperor’s private study was grand but not overwhelming. Books lined the walls, and a large map of the empire dominated the center of the room. The Emperor sat behind his desk, watching Lucian with an expression of polite curiosity.

  "Lord Veilwood," the Emperor greeted. "Come, sit."

  Lucian obeyed, his heart pounding.

  The Emperor steepled his fingers. "Your ideas have sparked great debate. Some see them as revolutionary, others as dangerous. What do you think?"

  Lucian cleared his throat. "Uh… well, I think people should… be happy? And also, uh, not overburdened? By taxes. And rules."

  The Emperor chuckled. "An admirably simple philosophy. And yet, Duskwatch thrives. Why do you believe that is?"

  Lucian hesitated. "Well… people like freedom. And when they’re left to their own devices, they usually find a way to make things work."

  The Emperor studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Fascinating. I have a proposition for you, Lord Veilwood."

  Lucian tensed. "Oh no."

  The Emperor smiled. "I want you to remain in the capital as my advisor."

  Lucian’s brain short-circuited. "I—what?"

  Dorian, who had just arrived outside the study, let out an audible groan. Elaine whispered gleefully, "Oh, this just keeps getting better."

  Lucian forced a laugh. "Haha, well, you know, Your Majesty, I’m really more of a—what’s the word—county-level thinker."

  The Emperor’s smile didn’t waver. "Then consider this a challenge. You will stay in the capital for a time, observe, and perhaps even teach us more about your unique governance style."

  Lucian gulped. I just wanted a nap.