King Lodrick stood before the tall windows of his private study, staring down at the castle courtyard like a god looking at his ants.
Below, soldiers trained in neat, bloody formations. Servants scurried between buildings, heads down, terrified to even breathe wrong.
The kingdom moved exactly as he demanded. Under his f*****g thumb.
A sharp knock rattled the heavy wooden door.
"Enter."
A palace official stepped inside, bowing so low his nose nearly touched the floor.
"My King."
Lodrick didn't turn.
"What is it?"
"The reports you requested."
Only then did the king shift his attention.
He turned slowly, his eyes cold and predatory.
The official approached, hands trembling slightly as he handed over several folded parchments.
Lodrick snatched them.
His sharp eyes scanned the co
