Chapter 76: Resurrection of Blasphemy - Part 1

*One hour after the last ember of Tsar Nikolai's pyre fizzled out*

The Krovic night was crisp and cool and clear. A perfect night for riding, if night was ever a perfect time to ride out. Ice was invisible in darkness and the quality of snow was deceiving. More horses' legs would break out of those simple dangers than during any battle. Unfortunately, we had little choice. This wasn't the most favorable plan of action, but that was because of my pride. What I wanted to do was take my knife and sink it deep into the Casterian pest fooling himself with the ridiculous notion that he was fit for kinghood. I wanted to watch as the life drained from his putrid golden eyes.

But the victory of that would only be short lived. A true triumph would be annihilating the Aquiladessi lineage. A true triumph would be stealing from them what is most precious, their golden empire. And that couldn't be done from the Krovic throne.

"Your Majesty."