The empire held its breath.
Despite the rumors of his impending death, the Emperor of Valor lived.
Physicians and alchemists worked tirelessly, prolonging his life. Though he was still weak, the old lion refused to fall.
But his survival came with a crushing announcement—
"The 1st Prince shall inherit my throne."
A storm erupted within the empire.
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The Rising Conflict
The 1st Prince, already the strongest military leader, now had the Emperor's direct support. His authority surged, with generals, noble clans, and ministers flocking to his banner.
But not all of the Emperor's children accepted this decree.
The Princes' Moves
The 2nd Prince smirked, whispering in the shadows, gathering his spies.
The 3rd Prince sharpened his daggers, preparing assassins.
The 4th Prince tightened his grip on the empire's economy, withholding funds from the 1st Prince's army.
The 5th Prince, the mystic, said nothing—but his followers moved in secrecy.
The 6th Prince challenged the 1st Prince to battle, demanding strength over politics.
The 7th Prince… simply watched.
His golden eyes remained calm, but his mind was already at war.
The Princesses' Ambition
But the struggle was not just among the Princes.
1st Princess controlled the imperial harem, using concubines and noblewomen to spread influence.
2nd Princess had the favor of the aristocracy, using wealth to turn ministers against the 1st Prince.
3rd Princess, a war strategist, commanded a private army in the border regions.
4th Princess, the most mysterious, ruled the empire's underground network—spies, assassins, and informants.
Each one sought the throne.
Each one saw the 1st Prince as an obstacle.
And each one saw the 7th Prince as a wildcard.
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A Private Meeting with the Emperor
A week after the decree, the 7th Prince was summoned to the imperial palace.
The Emperor sat on his throne, weak but resolute. The 1st Prince stood beside him, a silent warning.
"You have always been the most unpredictable," the Emperor said, staring at his youngest son. "I spared you before, believing you had no ambition for the throne. Was I wrong?"
The 7th Prince knelt, lowering his head.
"I live only to serve, Your Majesty."
The Emperor studied him carefully.
The 1st Prince scoffed. "Then swear your loyalty to me. Stand by my side as I become Emperor."
Silence.
The 7th Prince slowly lifted his gaze, his golden eyes meeting his father's.
"I will serve the throne… but only the one who truly deserves it."
The Emperor's expression did not change, but something flickered in his gaze.
The 1st Prince clenched his fists but said nothing.
The 7th Prince turned and left, his heart calm.
His father had already chosen his heir.
But fate had not made its choice yet.
And he would not kneel forever.
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The Shadows of Rebellion
With the Emperor's extended reign, the battle for the throne would not be won in a single night.
It would be two years of war, betrayal, and bloodshed.
The 1st Prince believed he had already won.
But in the darkness, the 7th Prince was preparing.
He expanded his connections with hidden factions.
He gathered resources, securing power outside the Emperor's reach.
He planted spies within the 1st Prince's circle, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
He allied himself with one of the Princesses, creating a dangerous alliance.
Because when the Emperor finally died…
The war for the throne would begin in earnest.
And he would not lose.
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