Fealty

"Guard Shier."  Ilon didn't look up from his work; there was no need.  He could recognize the man by his footfalls and the particular way his armor whispered.  Shier had been in his service since the twins were babes - he was, in many ways, closer to the pair of them than even their father was.

"My Lord?"  The Guard stopped several feet from the Emperor's desk and promptly dropped into a customary kneel.  

"I assume you've done as I asked."

"Of course, my Liege.  The Echoes have sworn their oaths to never speak of the traitor's name or lineage.  The Ember House, however, is..."

"Resistant, I imagine."  

Guard Shier grunted. "That's one word for it, I suppose, Your Imperiousness."

Ilon scoffed.  "I'll tend to that in due time," he decided and finally looked up.  "After I see to tearing out the rest of the traitorous root."

Shier's features twisted with confusion.  "My Lord?"

"She did not act alone, Guard Shier.  She was beautiful, but not especially bright - why else would she have attempted to take my life?"  Ilon paused just long enough for the words to sink in before he continued.  "Her brother, on the other hand - consort to my brother - is a much more cunning soul."

Shier choked.  Ilon could only imagine the tide of questions that were lodged in the older man's throat - it took a monumental effort on his part not to laugh at the mental image.

"It was to be announced today," he continued.  "Yes, Ilaron found his consort.  Unfortunately, he followed in the footsteps of our uncle."  He leveled a grave look on the guard. "There will be no heir.  At least, I suspect that's what their plan was.  I have no proof, but..."

"How is it even possible?"

Ilon shrugged and rose to his feet.  He leaned over the desk and steepled his fingers on the surface of it.  "I wish I knew.  They must have found some way to deceive him, some way to trick him..." He blew out a sharp breath.  "It doesn't matter now.  The deed has been done and we must deal with the traitor's blood in our House."

"What would you have me do, My Lord?"  Shier's expression was troubled and Ilon was pleased by it.

"Send your best men to Ilaron's chambers and retrieve the Ember-born.  Take him to the dungeons."

"And your brother?  I doubt he will be so keen to allow us to take his..."

Ilon gestured dismissively and turned away.  "The north tower has been cleaned and prepared for him.  You will escort him there."

The Guard made a horrified sound and Ilon looked over his shoulder at him.

"It's only temporary, Guard Shier.  I promise."  The cold curve of his smile was neatly hidden by the slope of his shoulder.  "Only until we can cleanse the taint of the traitors from our House - and we can arrange for something more suitable for my brother."

Guard Shier nodded, but Ilon could sense the man's unease.

"Trust me.  Please."  Ilon turned, palms raised in a placating expression.  "Rise and see to your duty, Guard Shier - and I will see that all is as it should be."

"As you wish, My Lord.  As you wish."