32 The Empire (1/2)
A pair of huge massive doors, with carved scenes of trees and nature, swings open and a tall slim pale looking male dressed in a black coat with dark red pants, silk-like high collared shirt with a cravat tied in a soft bow, covered over by a black waistcoat, walks through.
His green eyes barely register the 2 guards bowing to him by the doors, a pair of golden earrings hung from his long pointy ears, his long handsome angular face framed by the light blonde hair and a thick sideburn frowns in worry as he hurried his steps towards His Majesty's day office.
Another pair of guards in full plate mail and holding halberds, bows and opens the office doors as he approaches. As he enters the room, he bows low to the person sitting behind the golden gilded desk, His Majesty, Varacen Bluewoods, ruler of the Bluewoods Empire.
”Your Majesty, I await your command.” He half kneels on the floor in front of the desk with his head bowed low, waiting for Emperor Varacen to notice him.
The Emperor ignored his presence, continues to read the rolls of parchment tied with colored ribbons. His signature blue hair and thick beard that only belongs to royalty are tied with a dark blue ribbon into a ponytail, have started to show strains of silver. Dressed in a white shirt, waistcoat, dark blue pants and a knee-high leather boots, he finally sets down the scroll.
Emperor Varacen sighs, his aging face still retains some handsome features even after turning 60 this year. ”Raise, my Lord Strum.” He leans back on his padded chair, finely carved with trees and flowers. ”You disappoint me greatly.”
Lord Strum stood up and resisted his urge to wipe the sweat off his face. ”My emperor! I have failed you, the rebel scum still walks the land, my troops were so close to wiping them out, but the green skins raided in massive numbers, thus I had to fall back my troops to block the tide of green skins.” He explains.
”Yes, yes. I read your report and the commanders report too.” Emperor Varacen waves away his explanation. ”Still, your incompetence has allowed the rebels to escape,” Varacen tilts his head slightly looking at Strum like a wolf looks at a rabbit. ”Maybe you don't want your title of Duke of Fallowfall anymore?”
”No... no, my liege, I won't fail you again!” Lord Strum fell on his knees.
”You sure? I got many other nobles queuing up to be a Duke.” Varacen smiles wickedly, enjoying tormenting Strum. ”I think I should just reward some other noble.”
”My emperor, I won't fail you again! 2 months, no... 1 month's time! I will root out the rebels from Fallowfall and they will no longer plague our Empire of Bluewood any longer!”
”Make it so, or it wouldn't be just your title.” Emperor Varacen promises, ”Your head might roll too.”
”Ye-yes, My Emperor,” Lord Strum trembles slightly with fear, as he knows quite well how mad Emperor Varacen can be.
”I will send the 3rd Lancers to you to help wipe out the rebels once and for all. Do not fail me this time.” Emperor Varacen said before waving his hand to dismiss Strum.