Lucian sat in his office, absently spinning a quill between his fingers. Dorian paced back and forth while Elaine leaned against the wall, arms crossed, exuding her usual amused disinterest.

  "So let me get this straight," Lucian said slowly. "Because of one conversation, Amelia has sent word to the imperial court that I’m some kind of grand reformer?"

  Dorian nodded. "Yes. And now several influential nobles are curious about your leadership. Some see you as a threat, others as an opportunity. We received a letter this morning."

  Lucian picked up the parchment and skimmed it. "‘His Majesty’s council formally invites Lord Veilwood to the Imperial Capital to discuss future governance reforms…’" He stopped and looked at Dorian. "This is a joke, right?"

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  Dorian pinched the bridge of his nose. "I wish."

  Elaine chuckled. "Congratulations, my lord. You’re officially a political player."

  Lucian groaned. "I don’t want to be a political player! I just want to nap and let things run themselves!"

  Dorian threw his hands up. "Then maybe you shouldn’t have accidentally created the most effective self-governing system in the empire!"

  Lucian slumped into his chair. "This is a nightmare."

  Elaine smirked. "Oh, it gets better. The Emperor himself has taken an interest in you. He sent an envoy. They’ll be arriving in a week."

  Lucian paled. "I need to fake my death. Or flee the country. Maybe both."

  Dorian sighed. "Or, you could actually prepare for this and try not to let everything collapse."

  Lucian rubbed his temples. "Fine. But if I somehow end up running the empire, I’m blaming all of you."