Chapter 1: Introduction
Esdeath's Stronghold
The sun set on the Empire's Stronghold, casting a golden hue over the imposing fortress. Its thick walls and deep ditch seemed to glow in the gentle rays of the fading light.
I, Esdeath, the Empire's Strong General, watched as my guards dragged the
young, innocent girl before me. She looked up at me with big, blue eyes, filled with fear,
as if she knew what was about to happen to her. I had no mercy for those who stood against
me, and I could see that this girl was no exception.
Her light, blonde hair fell in loose curls around her shoulders, framing her delicate
features and highlighting her small, slender frame.
She was so young, so innocent, so full of life. It was a stark contrast to the harsh reality of her situation.
My guards dragged her before me, her wrists bound in chains, and threw her onto the ground at my feet. I stood there, looking down at her, my expression cold, unyielding. She looked up at me, her eyes filled with fear, her body trembling.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I raised an eyebrow, amused by her courage.
"You may call me Esdeath," I said, a hint of menace in my voice. "And you, my dear," I continued, leaning in close to her, "are now mine to do with as I please."
She shrank back from me, her eyes wide with fear. "Please, please don't hurt me," she begged, her voice trembling. "I'll do anything you want."
I sneered, enjoying her fear. "Oh, I have no doubt you'll do as I say," I said, my voice silky smooth.
"But first, you have to earn my trust. And what better way to do that than to make yourself usefult?"
The girl, Brooke, looked at me with wide eyes, the fear still evident in her expression. I could smell her fear, feel it radiating off of her like heat from a fire.
I stepped closer to her, my knees brushing the ground beside her. "Tonight," I said, "you'll be my personal servant. You'll attend to me, obey my every command, and do as I bid.
Is that clear?"
Brooke nodded slowly, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes, ma'am," she whispered.
I stood up, looming over her. "Good," I said, my voice cold and hard. "You'll be punished if you disobey me, I assure you."
I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving Brooke on the ground, trembling and crying.
The next day, I was summoned to the throne room to appear before the Emperor.
I made my way through the labyrinthine corridors of the Stronghold, surrounded by my loyal soldiers. They deferred to me with a mixture of respect and fear, the latter emotion that I had carefully cultivated.
When I arrived in the throne room, I found that the Emperor was already waiting for me. He was an old man, his face wrinkled and his eyes dim with age, but his voice was firm and his presence unshakable.
"General Esdeath," he said, his voice gravelly but clear.
"You have done an exemplary job in crushing the rebellion and protecting the Empire."
I bowed my head. "Thank you, your Majesty. It was my duty as your general to serve and protect the Empire."
"Yes, yes," the Emperor said, waving his hand dismissively. "But I have a special task for you, General. One that requires your unique talents and skills."
I raised an eybrow, intrigued.