Shadow War

1. "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

- Sherlock Holmes

On a warm yet rainy night, a young drone wearing a light blue cloak held together at his chest by a silver brooch resembling the Vesalipolis standard rested near a dark alleyway just a few feet from the road. Besides the rain it was a quiet night, all the windows were covered with only dim light from nearby posts providing some illumination for the dreary occasion. The drone stood anticipating someone, however he was unsure of what might become of his meeting. He raised his roof, pulling his sleeve back revealing a pocket watch in his grip, the arms softly ticked clockwise before he quickly put it away, looking around. It was getting late, and though he expected his contact to not make a direct approach he did not think it would take this long. Suddenly he heard the touching of hoofs against the wet stone ground causing the drone to freeze up.

"Inquisitor?" The figure said a few feet behind the drone.

"Yes, yes that's me." The inquisitor spoke, refusing to move his head though he took one step back into the shade.

"I bring, disconcerting information." Their voice felt heavy like sandpaper rubbing against his ears. "Lord Protector Miralus is deceased." This message caused the Inquisitor's eyes to widen, before settling and glancing up at the sky.

"I see. What do you know?"

"Rumors speak of it being self-inflicted, I could not get anything more." This caused the inquisitor to think, he was well-rounded with the political atmosphere of Vesalipolis, however, he could only come down to a few conclusions in his head, an accident or murder.

"...Interesting. What else?"

"From my observations, many were already discussing concerns about his wellbeing, or being openly vocal against his administration over the Vraks front and other occupation zones. Anything more than that is hearsay. The mistress must be informed." The Inquisitor looked down to his robe, gently feeling his brooch before looking back up straight forward once more.

"I will deliver the news, but this does not sit right. Can you investigate it further?"

"No." He was very blunt. "To avoid risking my cover I must stray from this matter. The investigation falls onto you." The Inquisitor raised a brow, before finally turning around to protest, but before he could say anything the individual was gone without a trace, the rain washing away any footprints and any scent if there was ever one. This threw the Inquisitor off, though it was his job to know things, and so he took on the challenge regardless. He removed a small book from his robe, flipping through the pages and eventually finding the information regarding Lord Protector Miralus, particularly his home. He raised his hood and set out, dashing through the rainy weather down the sidewalk.

The trip was long though he eventually made it to the heart of Vesalipolis, it had recently been the city's founding anniversary, as well as the anniversary of Queen Chrysalis' ascendence. Patrols were light besides the usual love-drunk soldiers stumbling about and lower drones cleaning up the mess from the parties and parades. The Inquisitor spotted a large concrete building lined with perfectly even and aligned windows, decorated with fancy balconies and pillars supporting the structure. A mix of both brutal and classical architecture, a brash contrast between the much older and traditional buildings of the city.

The Inquisitor became wearier, if this was a murder he certainly did not want anyling knowing his intentions, dodging as much contact as he could. His eyes glanced down to his book, specifically noting the numbers on the address of Miralus' flat. A very humble bug such as the Lord Protector despite the title liked to live a simple life, so his home should not be as difficult to infiltrate. He counted up each floor before marking the exact apartment, noticing a dim candlelight from the window. The entrance was less guarded though he noticed inside were a few members of city security, the predecessors to the infamous VOPs. Not wanting to be seen, he moves around the building, using the cover of darkness to quickly break in from the back door, using a small blade to cut the luck.

He entered through a small storage space, which led him to a steward's quarters. He noticed no drone was in their bunk, assuming they were currently being interrogated by security assuming the situation was very fresh, he decided to look through their belongings, eventually finding himself a pair of keys and a proper reference to use as a disguise, if he were to be spotted. He peered out the door leading into the main lobby, the drones present were not on high alert though they would be an obstacle. He stepped back, looking around for an easier way to reach Miralus' floor before they did anything to tamper with the scene.

His eyes eventually caught a wooden trap door bulging out from the wall, opening the door inside was a chute that seemingly had no end, possibly going as far as the top floor. His size and feebleness allowed him to crawl into the chute, and slowly ascend as he counted each floor in his mind once more, hoping to not miss the right one. He was careful, eventually reaching the Miralus floor. Fortunately, the trap door led to one of the more deserted hallways, which allowed him to continue unnoticed for a time, reaching the corridor where peeking around the corner revealed two heavily armed members of the city guard, wielding chitin spears with silver tips and a more well-dressed member of city security, perhaps a senior investigator.

"We are concluding for now, I want no one to open or even approach this room until we return." The Investigator snapped, and the guards promptly responded with a quick salute before standing at attention, blocking the entrance to Miralus's flat. The Inquisitor cursed softly under his breath before backing up and quickly hiding around a corner as the Investigator and his associate went downstairs. Though while it seemed troubling to enter, he had an idea. He recalled the set of balconies that each flat had, very spacious and aligned perfectly with one another. Eventually, using the reference gained from the stewards' quarters he transformed into one of the staff, uniform and everything. He took the same chute up one floor, making his way to one of the flats just above Miralus. Using the keys he acquired from the bunk he accessed the flat, before quickly moving to the balcony.

He looked down, hoofs on the balcony ledge as he beholden the wonderful yet dull view of the city. He shook himself out of it after receiving a quick gush of wind nearly knocking him over. "Curse this weather..." He muttered, glancing around as he tried to find a safe route down. His eyes eventually glanced over at the various bed sheets and towels perfectly folded, he immediately grabbed them, tying them together to create a makeshift rope before securing it to the edge of the balcony. He certainly hoped no ling would notice this stunt, not with this weather at least. The Inquisitor glared down, gulping softly as he carefully gripped onto the makeshift rope he conjured, slowly shimmying down before eventually dropping onto Miralus' balcony with a soft thud, thankfully not alerting the guards outside the flat.

Inside revealed a very spacious interior with a luxurious bedroom, dining area, and recreational space. Though he also noticed the corpse of the now-deceased Lord Protector. He carefully stepped in, looking around to notice if anyling decided to stay behind, he was in the clear. He observed Miralus' corpse, lying on the bed eyes and mouth closed with a spilled glass of wine staining the sheets next to him. He searched the body, finding nothing but a few personal belongings, noticing no wounds or signs of any struggle whatsoever. He stood up, glancing at the table which had an opened wine bottle, and a filled glass resting right next to it. The bottle was somewhat used, indicating it was used for two servings, Miralus, and another individual.

"Body is fresh, died recently I can tell..." He spoke to himself, gathering as much information as he could while also noting everything down in his book. "No sign of any forced entry..." He got quieter as he approached the main door, not wanting to alert the guards. The flat had just been recently cleaned and organized, prepared as if he was expecting someone. He was thorough in his notes, even sketching some of the scenery not wanting to miss a single detail. He turned his attention to the wine, judging by the fact there were no wounds, no struggle or force of entry, perhaps the murder weapon was the drink, simple poison, a simple assassination.

He lifted the glass, taking a sniff of the liquid, a dark blood-red texture though it smelled just like any other wine, however, the label marked its production straight from Sicarus, his home. He glanced around, uncertain what would have been mixed with the wine to have killed Miralus though his ears perked up, hearing a few soft squeaks. He carefully moved a wardrobe out of the way, revealing a couple of mice feasting on an old dried-up piece of fruit. It hit him, looking at the wine, then at the mice, he figured that if it was lethal to a ling it should be lethal to any creature that ingests it. He grabbed a small bowl from the cupboard in the kitchen, filling it with the wine, and placing it to the mice. After a few seconds, one rodent took a drink from the bowl, and then minutes later it fell and died, exactly as he expected.

It wasn't long until he got what he needed, though outside he heard loud mumbling and rushed footsteps, someone must've seen something. Before they could get the door open, he immediately fled to the balcony, covering up his tracks by hiding the makeshift rope he made out of sheets and towels, allowing the rain to wash away his footsteps and mask his scent, making it hard for the city security to track him. Before long he was away from the building, taking the alleyway to make a swift escape from the heart of Vesalipolis, having urgent news for his Queen.

It had been some time since Kitu Elder, now Queen of Sicarus, dethroned the Sicari family and assumed control over the region at the will of Chrysalis. Though, while having hoped for a peaceful cleanup, her lands were called once again into yet another bloody conflict, though promised to be the end of the old world and the beginning of a new one. Though her homeland was on only one of many fronts brought forth by Chrysalis plan to bring the entirety of the Changeling lands under her rule, various schemes and operations threw the realm into chaos and disarray, a perfect Powder keg for one mighty leader to sweep in and take the reins. Kitu Elder now finds herself in the middle of the conflict, whether she stays loyal to Chrysalis' cause or seeks her path is ultimately determined by the frivolous challenges she is soon to face.

The young Queen rested near the window of her flat on the outskirts of Soryth, glaring out into the dark and cold rainy evening. She scowled softly, not to the weather but to her reflection. In it, she still sees her young incompetent self, a lowborn, the one who let her brother perish. She had wished to be at home, though the war brought her attention elsewhere. Many repetitive meetings and audiences to give to many Soryth nobility and military leadership drained much of her energy for the day, though something had her held in place as she awaited immediate news regarding a sudden change of internal politics, for which she had no clue what it entailed. She heard a soft pound on the door, inciting her to finally take her eyes off the rainy evening and her sorrows. "Come."

The door creaked and swooshed open as the wind forced it open without much need of assistance from her visitor. The Inquisitor pushed himself into the flat, shutting the door behind him with some struggle. He removed his hood, straightening out his outfit before turning his attention to her. "Lady Elder, I bring news." She nodded, gesturing a hoof at him to approach as she stood from her chair. "Ah, Inquisitor Beryl I eagerly awaited your return, what is it?" The Inquisitor seemingly knew something she did not, his expression could only be described as stern with a hint of worry. "Lord Protector Miralus is dead, my lady. He was murdered."

Kitu was somewhat stunned by the news, Miralus was named Lord Protector over the occupied regions seized from the Soryth hives and other northwestern hives. She had worked with him since her ascendence to the Sicari throne, even taking him as a close mentor for her rule. She struggled to get out a coherent sentence, processing the news. "...I assumed you looked into it, what is your conclusion?" Beryl looked at Kitu for a moment, before nodding. "May I?" He gestured to an empty seat near Kitu's dining table, for which she accepted. The two took a seat, with Kitu bringing a lit candle from her wardrobe. "I caught word from one of our own, they believed he took his own life, but after investigating it myself I found he was assassinated, a fast-acting poison in his drink." He lowered his head, placing his hoofs together. Kitu glared up a bit.

"What else...?" She spoke with a much softer tone than a moment ago, her eyes staring directly at the Inquisitor awaiting a response, though as if she was restraining herself. Beryl lightly nodded. "From my own observations..." He pulled out his notebook, showing her his sketches and various notes. "He was not alone, had a visitor of some kind, to make things odder, the wine came from Sicarus, branded and everything, on top of that the city security weren't keen on anyone unwanted poking around the scene, I had to sneak in just to avoid being caught. Very unusual behavior." Beryl noticed Kitu's displeasure, however being quite an effective drone, he finished his statement anyhow. "I am not sure of what the Queen's standpoint on this situation is, though it hasn't openly escalated to the conspiracy I suggest. Miralus was one of your most powerful supporters, and with them out of the way I fear you may be next." Kitu raised her hoof, nodding as she closed her eyes and exhaled. "I see. This does not bold well."

Beryl just gave her his usual stern stare before nodding once more, pulling out a letter from his robe. "Before I left the city, I had received this letter from the Queen, she has recalled all notable members of the current war, perhaps to appoint Miralus' replacement."

She looked at him for a moment, unsure what to think though she still grieved for the loss of her friend. She simply nodded and glanced around. "When do we leave?" Beryl looked up from a moment of deep thought. "Right now, my lady." She sighed and stood, not saying much as Beryl followed suit, giving a polite head bow before leaving Kitu to herself. She stood still in the middle of her room for a moment, staring off into space as hundreds of thousands of thoughts replayed through her mind, the suspicious death of her friend reminded her too much of what she had faced before becoming Queen, she dared not let that get in the way though, cutting herself from her deep thought as she began gathering her things and got dressed in her traveling attire. Before leaving she was sure to stuff an iron dagger into a pocket of her robe, unsure if what the Inquisitor said was true, though she was not one to be caught unprepared.

She raised her hood and left her flat, being greeted by the Inquisitor and eight Changeling guards for which snapped to attention after a short order was called out upon noticing Kitu's exit. Beryl gave once again a polite bow, stepping back and allowing Kitu to inspect her guard, all dawning sharp chitin armor decorated with both the Sicari and Vesalipolis standards with each soldier handling long spears with silver points and chitin shafts. She briefly walked down the short line of soldiers, before stepping into the carriage with Inquisitor Beryl, the small convoy immediately setting off.

Kitu went back to staring out the window of the carriage as it treaded along the dirt paths of outer Vraks, her eyes watching the rain slide down the window before the wind swept it off. Other than the sounds of wheels grinding against the thick dirt and the soft chatter of the escorts outside, the trip was fairly quiet. Inquisitor Beryl sat in the corner, rather distant from the young Queen as he held his hoofs together, deep in thought. Kitu later took a moment to speak, still glaring out the window as the passed the river line. "I want you present for this banquet." Beryl looked up, glancing at her as he gave a slight head tilt. "Madame?" Kitu turned one eye to face him before looking back to the window and speaking again. "I would write to my spy master though I fear there must be something going on. You are the most knowledgeable about this current situation." Beryl lightly nodded, looking straight at her. "Oh, of course, my lady..." Kitu then gave him her full attention. "You will be acting as my spy master while we are away, Inquisitor, I'll be sure you have the proper contacts." Beryl silently nodded, before shifting back in his seat to where he was, Kitu going back to gazing out the window watching the trees pass as the land became less rural to more urban.

The trip was long and bumpy, though eventually smoothened out as the convoy reached paved roads leading straight into now Vesalipolis, territory of the Queen. The city has sense transformed since Chrysalis' ascendence, her alliances with Ditrysium and later conquest of Soryth transformed the city from a mere groveling hive to a sprawling metropolis, the likes for which Kitu has yet to bear witness. Beryl was not much of a spy, nor were they material to handle Kitu's network though she had to make do. Her transport eventually arrived at the heart of the city, a grand display of large complex structures lining a large, paved street. The streets were emptier than compared to the last time she had visited.

The carriage stopped at a checkpoint just beyond the walls surrounding the inner city, the guards protecting the checkpoint spoke and mingled for a moment with Kitu's escort. The guards walked around, searching through the carriages storage before glancing into the windows of the carriage. They did not dare mess with the young Queen within. They were promptly given the go ahead as a large gate rose just high enough for the carriage to pass. The inner city was much more extravagant, though a mix of tall structures, monuments and living quarters with some recreation. At the center was a massive clearing for which the Queen had something great planned. The streets were packed, large number of denizens and members of the upper class wearing pristine robes and rows of Changeling guards patrolling the streets, it was a very important day.

Their arrival was not met with much fanfare, Kitu's carriage stopped at the curb of a large building supported by lines of pillars running down each side. Once the carriage stopped, Kitu's guard formed up once more, while some stood upon the carriage as lookouts. A drone approached Kitu's side of the carriage, a very well-mannered and well kempt ling dressed in a suit with a gold badge sitting on his tie just underneath his head. As Kitu stepped out, her eyes gazed up at the towering structure then more, her eyes wandering for a moment before being abruptly interrupted by the drone clearing his throat. She looked at them and both gave eachother a head bow at the same time.

"Lady Elder, Queen of Sicarus, it is a pleasure." He held out his hoof, Kitu extending hers as the drone planted a soft kiss on Kitu's hoof.

"Likewise. Allow me to introduce my Inquisitor, Beryl." Beryl provided a short bow to the drone before fixating himself, while he had his attention primarily focused on the two, his eyes and ears were scanning around the area, primarily noting the other drones present.

"A pleasure as well, I am Nero, Queen Chrysalis of Vesalipolis' chancellor, recently appointed, I look forward to working with you. If you would follow me." He gestured for both Kitu and Beryl to follow suit as he pivoted, walking up the concrete stairs leading to a large set of doors guarded by the Queens guard. Nero gave them a short nod, before both guards reached and pulled the heavy doors open. Nero led the two into the building, revealing a lively gathering of many nobilities from across the Changeling lands, many were chatting, drinking, or simply sitting and awaiting the Queens audience.

"Given your recent ascendence I imagine you are not as familiar with this locale. This is the Administatrum, center of operations for the Queens forces and governance. If you have any questions or need anything, you may ask me or one of the servants currently on duty." Nero gave another bow, before disappearing into the crowd. Kitu turned to Beryl, stepping close as she spoke. "I will take my seat, before the Queens audience, you will walk around and listen in onto anything possible." Beryl nodded. "Understood, Lady Elder." Kitu nodded, giving a soft grin before maneuvering throughout the crowd. She got many looks of both intrigue and disgust, her reputation has not been positive, many see her as a usurper, a poor political experimentation, or simply a taunt from the Queen herself, which only complicates matters when comes the time to cooperate.

She took a seat near the front of a large stairs centered in the middle of the ballroom leading up to the second floor of the Administatrum, Beryl briefly stepping away, taking a small stroll across the room. Kitu watched from a far, though kept her eyes from wandering or catching unwanted attention, taking small sips from the drink provided by a passing servant. Beryl heard nothing more than banter and flex, the lack of humility was apparent, though he did not hear much regarding Miralus' passing, only short mentions here and there or explanations for why they're here in the first place. It seemed many were focused on knowing who will be taking over as Lord Protector oddly enough, the title has always been described as very prestigious if not effortful. The room quickly quieted down as the candle lit room dimmed, seeing Chancellor Nero stepped into the center at the top of the stairwell. Beryl was quick to find his way back to Kitu, taking a seat.

"Welcome, allies and compatriots, members of the Axis and dignitaries from across the land. The Queen thanks you for your audience, and will now grace you with her presence, all will stand for the arrival of the Queen." The crowd all began to stand up from their seats as members of the Queen guard took their positions up and down the stairway, a set of doors were promptly opened at the top by two servants, a few steps, and there she was, Queen Chrysalis herself. The whole room took a bow to her as she looked upon the audience with a grin, her mane and wings glittered in the light and her dress elegantly flowed behind her as she took the Chancellors' place at the top of the stairs, before speaking.

"Your attention is most appreciated... It is a grand day for our alliance, and our soon-to-be united nation under my banner. Marking the second day since the founding of this great city, and our many victories on the front against the deviants who seek their own retribution..." Many nodded and silently listened as Chrysalis went on boasting about herself, though many were more anxious about the real reason why she brought them all here. Kitu watched, her eyes focused on the queen, she was very interested to see what she had to say regarding her friend's death.

"As you all are aware, Lord Protector Miralus tragically passed away, his service to me will never be forgotten, as will all of you when you all meet your inevitable end for the glory of Changelingia..." Beryl glanced around, noticing many were seemingly anxious, making glances at Kitu and then back to the Queen, which made the Inquisitor much more suspicious.

"Today I bring you all here to announce my appointment for the replacement of Miralus and holder of Lord Protector." She grinned once more, stepping aside. A stiffened yet tall drone stood up to the front, looking down upon the crowd. Kitu's eyes widened; her jaw dropped as she saw who it was. "No... It can't be..." The drone turned to face Chrysalis, before having the Queen carefully place a large golden badge of the Vesalipolis standard on his chest, the badge reflecting the light.

"I officially appoint formerly nobleman Lopil Sicarus, of House Sicarus, as Lord Protector of Changelingia." Beryl noticed obvious disappointment amongst the crowd, though her remark was still met by a standing ovation as many raised their drinks and cheered for the new Lord Protector. Kitu, still in shock, could not believe what she just saw. Lopil was the brother of Lykus, her biggest rival before becoming Queen, not to mention in the very house she sought to overthrow. Beryl only partially understood the personal rivalry between Kitu and Lykus, though he was aware of the betrayal of House Sicarus.

"Lopil Sicarus was one of many who switched sides and assisted me to route out the remainders of those who dared support our opposition..." Lopil looked across the crowd, a smug grin decorating his snout as his eyes eventually met Kitus, both sternly staring at one another before Lopil lightly chuckled and went back to standing firm next to the Queen. "His loyalty to me and my cause has never faltered, and his efforts to secure the loyalty of the outer hives remain impactful to this day, for we are on the brink of total victory!" Beryl noticed a group of drones on the other side of the ballroom, while many were seemingly hurt by the news, the group in question was quite well-behaved, if not very pleased. Beryl chose to keep an eye on them throughout the rest of the Queen's speech.

The Queen received yet another thunderous applause throughout the Administratum as she finished her remarks. Some time had passed throughout her speech, before ending it with a toast to her new appointment. The rest of the party resumed without much issue, though many left with frustration, disappointment, and envy. It wasn't long until Lopil finally met with Kitu.

"Ah, Lady Elder, you have made quite a name in my home." Kitu played along, presenting a fake grin as Beryl stood awkwardly behind his mistress.

"As you have here, Lopil. Though I was not expecting the Queen to put so much trust in you after what your family did." Lopil flinched, closing his eyes and shaking his head.

"It is all in the past now, the Queen has put her faith into me, though it is a shame for Miralus, he was quite the statesman." He spoke with almost a smug monotone, something that made Kitu almost snap, though she kept her cool, for now.

"It is, he was my friend, after all." Their dialogue was quickly cut off by Nero, assumingly noticing the tenseness intervening.

"Ah, Lord Protector Lopil, let me be the first, or last, to congratulate you on your appointment." Beryl was unsure if Nero knew of this, though judging by the attitude of the audience it seemed many were unaware of the Queen's decision, except the certain group of drones on the other side of the room.

"As you may know, a meeting is scheduled in the war room after the party, I hope to see both of you there, Sir Sicarus and Lady Elder." Both nodded at Nero and then at each other before Lopil chose to walk off. Beryl watched his every move as he walked off.

"I cannot believe that worm now holds Miralus' title... He is the most undeserving..." Kitu muttered, hoping Beryl would listen to her rant though he was more focused on something else. "Inquisitor, what is wrong?" Beryl noticed Lopil visit the group of drones he was watching, shaking hands and softly speaking to them, before making short glances at both him and Kitu. Beryl turned his head and spoke.

"The moment he left; he went to visit with that group over there." He made a short glance, Kitu looking over. "Everyone seemed anxious, though they did not show any sign of rush, and now Lopil is speaking with them."

"I do not like this, not one bit." Kitu shook her head, fixing her robe as she looked up at him. "I want you to look into this during the meeting, this cannot last." She scoffed, joining the large group of distinguished drones trekking up the stairs. Beryl nodded and watched as she left, though as he turned, he noticed the group of drones were all looking at him, before getting up and leaving, leaving millions of questions and theories rumbling through Beryl's mind, he gently shook his head. "Focus..." Beryl grabbed his bag and left the Administratum.

Kitu joined the other Queens and Generals in the war room, everyone sat around a table displaying a large paper map of the Changeling Lands, marked with various figurines, flags, and other markings. Lopil sat at the opposing end of the table from the doorway, eyeing Kitu as she took her seat along with everyone else. As the muttering silenced, and the attention now on him, Lopil stood from his seat to address the room.

"Greetings, Queens, Generals, and fellow Protectors, as the new Lord Protector the Queen has placed me in charge of planning the final offensive against our foe." He looked at them all, everyone in the room gave him their undivided attention though some were uncertain, being a new appointment after all, let alone the descendant of traitors.

"Where is the Queen?" A very brazen Admiral from Ditrysium blurted out, causing many to look at him, before immediately looking back to Lopil, who chuckled and grinned. Kitu only scowled.

"The Queen has placed her full utmost confidence in my abilities to plot the demise of our opposition, now that will be the last, outburst, as of now, yes?" The room silently nodded as everyone relaxed in their seat and awaited the plan.

"Now, as I was saying, we have closed the front with insurrectionists in Soryth, and our new allies have given us more resources we require to begin the final push into the heart of Vraks." Lopil pulled out a stick, adjusting the markings on the table which showed the Vesalipolis-Ditrysium Axis controlling much of the north besides some holdouts. "Before we enter the planning phase, I would like to receive status reports for our forces, ahem, Admiral?"

The same Admiral who blurted out looked around, surprised by the callout though he still stood tall and firm. "The Grand Navy of Ditrysium remains at full strength, we have had no issues along the coasts besides small raids, for which have been crushed. Our morale remains high and dutybound to serve the Queen!" His short speech was met with a short applause by those within the war room. Lopil nodded, placing his hooves together. "And the army?"

Another well-decorated individual stood from his seat, which happened to be next to Kitu. "The Soryth army remains steadfast, with high numbers and high morale, we simply await orders. I will now pass to the army of Sicarus." The drone nodded to Kitu, who promptly stood up after the Sorythian general took a seat, all eyes were on her, most skeptical. Lopil stared her down, awaiting her answer.

"Alike our compatriots from Soryth... We remain steadfast and await orders." Lopil nodded, grinning. "Glad to see my home has yet deteriorated so much under a usurper." His blunt statement caused soft chatter to brew within the war room, Kitu stared at him with a scowl before shortly sitting down. Other representatives from various hives stood and gave almost the same response, steadfast and ready to go. Kitu, upset by the statement made by Lopil, was unsure if the outcome of this meeting would do any good for her image, or her home, but judging by his snarky attitude and just by the way he looked at her alone, he certainly had something in store.

Night had fallen during the meeting. While this went on, Beryl ventured out into the heart of Vesalipolis, briefly checking on Kitu's guard who continued to watch over her carriage before disappearing into the dark. He sought to find some answers, having waited a bit for the group of drones to leave before him, doing everything he could to follow behind, they all wore the same maroon robes, similar to that worn by scholars and old nobles from Sicarus. The Inquisitor did everything he could to appear inconspicuous, eventually following them into a more densely populated section of the city before stopping at a small building marked as an Inn, inciting Beryl to hide behind a corner as the group was greeted by an individual from behind the door, before seeing it swiftly open and close after the last drone entered.

He was certain that he would be unable to simply just walk in, forced to choose a more covert approach he stepped into an alley, using the same steward disguise he used before to mask his identity as he went around to the building of interest. He carefully went around into the alleyway next to the Inn, spotting movement in a window on the second floor. He carefully climbed up a series of crates, resting just below the window, allowing him to be able to hear their discussion.

"The pretender was present, I saw her."

"Everyone saw her you idiot. Her servant was staring at us the entire time." Beryl heard rustling within, chairs moving and drawers opening and shutting.

"Will you both silence yourself? A Sicari noble is now Lord Protector, as we had hoped and planned. I rather not worry about some gawking intrigue; we have to move forward." The voice was heavy and deep, certainly a large individual and doesn't match the drones he saw. He carefully noted down everything they said.

"So what now then? Lopil miraculously convinces the Queen to be rid of that usurper?" One spoke in a tone almost as if he was about to start yelling, though to him it sounded as if he was calmed by some drinks being handed out.

"A great battle lies ahead, our holdouts have already confirmed it, if all goes well, we will see the end to the pretender, and perhaps an end to that sniveling tyrant Chrysalis." Beryl slowly looked up a bit, hearing the clinking of glasses as they made short cheers.

"So what are we supposed to do? Lopil seems to have everything presented to him."

"We are responsible for ensuring that our plan remains concealed, even if it means disposing of unwanted ears. For now, we celebrate."

Beryl lowered his head, following clicks and clanks of wine glasses and loud laughter and chatter he made his exit. He wasn't certain what to do now, though with what he has heard, he could only assume his sovereign is in danger.