Days had passed after Dante’s departure, and the world outside began to shift fast. The news of his absence spread quicker than I expected. People who had once been silent under his rule now started moving again. Old enemies came crawling back, pretending to be allies. Politicians sent gifts. Rival bosses sent letters sealed with promises they didn’t mean.

It was clear what they all wanted. They thought the empire was falling apart because its king was gone. They thought I would be easy ...