Cruel Hearts and Elegant Blades

Prologue

Era of the Gods, 1134 year of the new chronology, continent Crimuan, Empire Santera, city Victoriana (capital)

He stood in front of the throne.

Blood was still slowly dripping from his sword, droplets falling onto the marble floor.

He stood there, tall and powerful, as if he were one of the statues – motionless. The sharp contours of his face became more rigid and cold.

This palace, this country, this throne – everything belonged to him, not just by blood, but also by strength. He proved it to everyone who doubted. To everyone who betrayed him.

Lord Darnell has returned and now everyone will be aware of it.

The soldiers were finishing clearing the palace of enemies. There was a rich smell of blood in the air, the snow-white walls and floors were painted red. The screams that echoed through the corridors not so long ago had almost died down.

She approached him quietly, like a shadow, and his eyes darted towards her. The lord's hand instinctively gripped the handle of his sword. But the girl remained unfazed and flashed a slight smile at him.

'Did I scare you, my love?' her silky, soothing voice spread throughout the hall, reflecting from the marble columns.

His shoulders relaxed a little and he lowered his sword. Sighing, he nodded, turning his silver eyes back to the empty throne.

'Yeah... A little.'

Her smile became softer and she came closer. A few small cuts covered her light gray skin, but nothing serious. His armor was completely covered with the fresh blood of his enemies.

Lady Lunet returned with the lord, unexpectedly to everyone who despised her family.

Her azure-blue eyes also focused on the majestic throne that had been passed down for generations by the Calestion family, along with the right to rule the powerful Empire Santera.

'It's yours again, my love. Yours by right of blood and strength.'

Taking a deep breath, Lord Darnell slowly shifted his attention back to her. His expression became more somber.

'You're not afraid then? That I just... killed so many people? That the blood on this armor represents my victims?'

Lady Lunet came very close, gently wrapping her arms around his neck. Blood stained her, but she didn't even notice it. Her eyes were looking only at him and a fox cunning lit up in them. The predatory smile appeared to be the complete opposite of the gentleness that was present just a moment ago. Her voice purred dangerously.

'You know I love every bit of your ruthlessness. You always get what you want. It took us a long time to get to this point, and it belongs to us.'

His lips curled into a cold smirk, mirroring the cruel cunning in her gaze. The lord seemed to relax for a moment as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer.

'Indeed. It took us an unacceptably long time. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this moment, and how many sleepless nights I've endured. We dreamed of how we would take what was rightfully ours. And now that we're finally here, it's like a fairytale come to life. The entire empire will bow down at our feet and witness our power. We will be unstoppable.'

His grip loosened as he sighed. His expression softened and his voice became more sincere.

'And the thing is, none of this would've been possible without you. You've stood by my side throughout all. You've been my unwavering strength and support in this journey. You've helped me survive and achieve what I have now. I can never thank you enough for everything you've done for me. And now I will be the Emperor...' his eyes watched her intensely, as if possessed, 'and you will be my Empress.'