How do I mind my own business

Chapter 6

Lord Ravenswood, his eyes wide with fear, was dragged before Claude, who stood towering over him, his face a mask of calculated fury. The galley's dim lighting seemed to amplify the tension, the only sound the soft lapping of the waves against the hull.

"So, Lord Ravenswood," Claude's voice was like ice, "you dare to threaten me, your emperor?"

Ravenswood's lips trembled as he spoke, "P-please, Your Majesty, I meant no harm. It was just a... a momentary lapse of judgment."

Claude's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with intensity. "A momentary lapse of judgment? You signed your name to that parchment, Lord Ravenswood. You sealed your fate."

With a swift motion, Claude's hand shot out, his fingers closing around Ravenswood's wrist like a vice. The advisor's eyes widened in terror as he felt the familiar sensation of Claude's power coursing through his veins.

"You should have been more careful, Lord Ravenswood," Claude whispered, his breath cold against the advisor's ear. "Now, you will become a testament to my power. A reminder to all who dare cross me."

As Claude's grip tightened, Ravenswood's screams echoed through the galley, his body beginning to dissolve into nothingness, consumed by the Sun God Emperor's wrath.

With a wave of his hand, Claude signaled the guards to release the news of Lord Ravenswood's betrayal and subsequent demise. The guards nodded and quickly dispersed, carrying the news to the farthest reaches of the palace and beyond.

As the news spread like wildfire, a collective gasp echoed through the halls, followed by hushed whispers and pointed fingers. The courtiers and advisors who had once fawned over Lord Ravenswood now shunned his memory, eager to distance themselves from the traitor.

Claude, still standing in the galley, felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. Justice had been served, and the warning had been sent. No one would dare challenge his authority again.

But, as he turned to leave, a faint whisper caught his ear. "The Sun God Emperor's reign will end in blood and fire..."

The galley's emptiness seemed to closing in around Claude, the silence oppressive. He searched every nook and cranny, his footsteps echoing off the walls, but there was no sign of anyone. The whisper seemed to come from all around him, yet from no specific direction.

Frustration and unease crept up his spine as he realized he was alone, with no lead to follow. The vastness of the galley's bareness seemed to mock him, a reminder of his failure to uncover the truth.

Suddenly, the torches flickered and died, plunging the galley into darkness. The darkness was absolute, and Claude's breathing quickened as he strained to hear any sound.

And then, a faint whisper seemed to come from right beside him, "The Sun God Emperor's reign will end in blood and fire... and it will come from within."

The flames that engulfed Claude's body seemed to take on a life of their own, raging with an intensity that was both fierce and beautiful. The air was filled with the acrid smell of burning flesh and the sound of screams echoing from a distant kingdom.

In a flash of insight, it became clear that the witch from a neighboring kingdom, who had long been a thorn in Claude's side, had been the mastermind behind the whispers and threats. Her dark magic had goaded Claude into unleashing his fiery temper, and now she was paying the price.

As the flames consumed her, the witch let out a blood-curdling scream, her voice carrying across the land. The sound sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it.

And yet, amidst the chaos and destruction, a small fly buzzed through the air, seemingly impervious to the flames. It flew circles around Claude's head, its tiny wings beating rapidly as it taunted him with its very presence.

The small fly's wings beat in a slow, mechanical motion, revealing its true nature: a tiny spy drone from the Mecca Empire. Claude's eyes widened in shock and anger as he realized the extent of their deceit.

The Mecca Empire, long thought to be a neutral power, had been secretly spying on the Sun God Emperor's every move. The drone's advanced technology allowed it to evade detection, gathering valuable intel for its masters.

With a swift motion, Claude summoned a burst of flames, incinerating the drone and sending a clear message to the Mecca Empire: their treachery would not be tolerated.

As the ashes of the drone dissipated, Claude's mind raced with the implications. How long had they been spying? What secrets had they uncovered? And what was their ultimate goal?

The soft glow of the palace's luminescent orbs illuminated the serene scene as Claude slipped into bed beside Apollonia and Nyx. The two women, entwined in each other's arms, gazed up at him with gentle smiles.

Without a word, Claude leaned in, his lips brushing against their foreheads in a tender gesture. Apollonia's eyes fluttered closed, a soft sigh escaping her lips, while Nyx's gaze lingered on Claude's face, her eyes shining with a deep affection.

As Claude settled in, the trio formed a harmonious triangle, their breathing synchronizing into a soothing rhythm. The tension and turmoil of the day melted away, replaced by a sense of peace and unity.

In this tranquil atmosphere, Claude's eyelids grew heavy, and he let himself drift into the realm of dreams, surrounded by the two women he loved and trusted most.

The palace's secrets and intrigues would wait until dawn; for now, the Sun God Emperor surrendered to the embrace of slumber, his heart filled with warmth and his spirit rejuvenated.

As Claude's eyes closed, Apollonia's lips began to trace gentle paths across his face, her kisses soft and tender. She couldn't resist the opportunity to shower him with affection, her love for him overflowing like a fountain.

Nyx, sensing the moment, smiled and wrapped her arms around Apollonia, holding her close as they both gazed at Claude's peaceful face. The three formed a loving tableau, their bond palpable and strong.

Apollonia's kisses danced across Claude's forehead, cheeks, and lips, each one a whispered promise of devotion. Nyx joined in, her own lips brushing against Claude's ear, her breath a soft whisper of adoration.

As they lavished him with love, Claude's slumber deepened, his chest rising and falling in a serene rhythm. The palace's secrets and dangers faded into the background, replaced by the warmth and comfort of their embrace.