Edmund

What does power taste like? Edmund knew it better than most. It was bitter as lies and sweet as forbidden fruit. Power is a web of intrigue, endless responsibilities, and a weight that weighs on the shoulders more than any crown. The son of the king's concubine, he was always overshadowed by his legitimate wife's heir, lacking respect but not lacking ambition.

Life in the palace was like hell, where weakness was punished with contempt, and evil tongues incited hatred. Edmund understood early on that this world was only for those who knew how to play. He desired power - not because of love for the throne, but for the opportunity to prove that he was worthy of more than fate allowed him. For this, he was ready to do anything. But he could not cope alone - he needed support. The Duke was an obvious choice: influential, intelligent, cautious. It would be impossible to subjugate him, but his daughter was another matter.

It all started, as always happens in such games, with simple steps. A couple of well-placed compliments, elegant gifts, a little more attention than she was used to receiving from others. And now sparks of hope were lit up in the girl's eyes. She looked at him like a hero from a fairy tale. Edmund knew how to be charming when it was necessary. How easily she gave in! A disgustingly naive creature.

Today's date was the same as all the previous ones. A walk in the garden, small talk, light touches. But today Edmund decided that it was time to move on. He looked at the girl studyingly, pretending to be gentle and caring.

"My canary" - his voice sounded soft, like a melody - "Have you thought about telling your father about us?"

*The question sounded so natural, so unobtrusive, that you didn’t even feel the hidden subtext. Your eyes were shining, reflecting the light of the evening stars, and a slight embarrassment appeared on your face. Charmed by his attention, you looked trustingly into his flawless features, unaware that you had become a pawn in his game. “One more step towards what I want,” he thought, watching you smile, confident,