Theodore Sera Zach, one of the leaders of Cleo’s new Imperial Guard, was a baronet. Despite that title, he hardly qualified as noble; baronets were, of course, commonplace on the Capital Planet. Still, as part of a titled knight family, he had a higher standing than knights who’d only held that rank for a single generation. And not only was Theodore part of one of those almost-aristocratic families, but Cleo had recognized his skills when establishing his guard.
Theodore was of medium build, with ash-gray hair parted to one side and shaved on the other. Steps light, he was presently entering a room where he would meet with Cleo. The simple audience chamber contained a throne with a design just subdued enough not to insult the emperor. Cleo normally received petitions in here, but Theodore had come after being summoned.
“Theodore Sera Zach, reporting in response to Prince Cleo’s summons.”
Cleo gave Theodore’s theatrical entrance a slightly irritated look. The wound he’d received in Calvin’s residence was already bothering him, and just seeing Theodore’s face annoyed him. Everything he does is so pretentious. Still, he’s more useful than any of my other pawns. But if I have to put up with him, he’d better at least earn his keep.
Cleo affected a smile to disguise his feelings. “Thank you for coming, Theodore.”
“I would race here from the edge of the Empire for you, Your Highness. Now, what is it I can do for you?” Theodore glanced around at his surroundings, likely looking for Lysithea, who distrusted him.
“I wanted to discuss the plan you proposed,” Cleo told him.
“Regarding House Banfield, you mean?” Theodore asked guardedly.
His apprehension stemmed from the fact that Cleo usually had bodyguards from House Banfield hiding nearby. The guards from Kukuri’s organization typically stayed out of sight, protecting Cleo from similar operatives. But, though they guarded Cleo, their true employer was Liam. Theodore was concerned that if he and Cleo discussed House Banfield in the guards’ presence, the guards wouldn’t only overhear them, they might even assassinate them for the discussion alone.
“None of my guests from House Banfield are present,” Cleo assured Theodore.
“They’re elsewhere? I don’t see Lady Lysithea, either.” Lysithea had become a knight to protect Cleo, and thus normally stayed at his side, but she was evidently just as absent as the House Banfield guards.
Theodore looked as if he was catching on, but Cleo explained things to him anyway. “I tasked my sister with something else, and I’ve taken care of my guards from House Banfield.”
Cleo’s implication visibly threw Theodore for a moment.
His reaction inwardly amused Cleo. “I’ve joined forces with my brother the crown prince in order to defeat Liam. We’ll now have the budget and personnel to carry out the plan you proposed. Please move ahead with it.”
Theodore straightened up and saluted Cleo. “Thank you very much! I swear I won’t disappoint you, Your Highness!”
“I’m counting on you, Theodore.”
“Please do. House Banfield is no danger to me. I’ll send them right back into obscurity where they belong.”
It was Theodore who’d suggested utilizing AI and cloning Liam in order to kill him. He’d always hated Liam and House Banfield, and he’d advocated Cleo cutting ties with them for some time now. At first, Cleo had merely listened to Theodore’s opinions. Then, when he’d asked for a concrete plan, Theodore had suggested breaking taboos without batting an eye. The idea had initially disgusted Cleo, but now he was utilizing the plan.
Cleo smiled, hiding his true feelings. “Make me proud, Theodore.”