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Emperor's Edict:
 
Aldric Zemit Solider, Emperor of Archades, stared hollowly at the coffin brought before him.  His eyes burned--he would not shed his tears publicly.  His soon-to-be Empress Consort was dead, shot by a traitor.  Another Bunansa traitor.
 
An announcement was to be made next month, giving the people hope that their Emperor was on the correct path of producing an heir.  That path was long gone to him.
 
The Emperor rested his hands in his lap, looking to the man who had brought Corana's body back from the front lines.  General Daschel Corlan had his arm in a sling, and the man looked remorseful.  He could see the regret on his friend's face.
 
"Leave us," Aldric ordered the guards in the throne room.  He rose from his throne, descending the stairs at a slow, controlled pace.  The last of the guards left the throne room, leaving the Emperor and his friend with the casket.
 
There was an uncomfortable silence as Aldric's hands rested on the coffin.  His throne room face evaporated, leaving a stricken expression.  "Tell me," he commanded, his voice hoarse as he looked to his friend.
 
Daschel shook his head, voice quiet.  "Sire ..."  He cleared his throat.  "The traitor had been planning this, from what our investigators can tell."  His mind raced, reciting the lie he practiced for two days now.  "We're missing several documents on the Mist Enhancement Device suits.  And my niece is missing, as well.  He's stolen an Imperial Fast Courier, the Galbana Lily.  I'm not certain how long he'll live--he was gut shot when he took off."
 
Aldric brushed his fingers over the coffin in thought.  "If he lives, I want every bounty hunter looking for him.  Fifty thousand gil on his head if he's alive, Daschel.  Half that if they bring me his corpse.  I prefer him alive--he has much to atone for, Daschel."
 
"Of course, Sire."  Daschel made to move, but stopped at his Emperor's raised hand.  "Sire?"
 
Aldric looked to his friend's face, eyes burning with unshed tears.  "Conquer by all means necessary.  I'm tired of negotiating.  They will see my peace and my rule, or there will be a smoldering wasteland."  His lips pulled into an ugly smile.  "Reinstate them."
 
It didn't take an explanation of who 'them' was.  Daschel nodded sharply, bringing his fist to his heart in salute before striding to the door.
 
He wore a similar smile for different reasons.
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