Interlude

Not too far above the chaos, Eigengrau and Vordea sat on the highest tower, and watched the fighting unfold below them. Eigengrau was chewing on a fish, while Vordea had opted to just drink spirits.

"Quite lively, aren't they?" Vordea said, observing Marvin stepping up to lead the reinforcements as if he had done it for his whole life.

"They are finally fulfilling roles they had been destined for. Watch Captain Marvin will become a formidable guard commander, keeping the Imperial Castle safe from all threats. Head Butler Jacob O'Malley is a force to be reckoned with, his mastery at reading the mood a great boon for the Empress." Eigengrau stated, pausing to speak.

"And the three inside?" Vordea asked with a smile.

"Empress Rebecca Ashe. The first of a very long line of rulers. The first Ashen Empress." Eigengrau continued, chuckling. She opened her mouth wide and swallowed the rest of the fish in one bite. "Victoria Valorian I am sorry to say does not have long to go."

"Oh?"

"Less than a year. It will be interesting to see how she dies." Eigengrau said, kicking her feet against the ledge. "Dear Catherine is... a special soul. She will be collected personally, when the time comes."

"Intriguing. The King's actually here, right? You better not be blue-balling me with this." Vordea said, finishing the bottle and tossing it down below.

"Of course he is. Want to go watch?" Eigengrau asked.