"So I take control of the legions through force." Liam's tone suggested he'd already run those calculations. "Break House Kraz'gul's command structure. Install new leadership loyal to me directly."
"Not necessarily."
Lilith moved closer, her bare feet silent on the stone surrounding the pool.
She'd removed her crown, let her snow-white hair fall loose. In the dim light, she looked perfect.
Less like a queen and more like the woman who'd inherited an impossible situation.
"Just because some members of the Houses don't believe and have unshakable loyalty to their bloodlines doesn't mean the legionaries are the same," she explained. "House nobles command through hereditary right and political maneuvering. But the soldiers themselves? They follow strength. Results. Leadership that keeps them alive and gives them victories."
She gestured to the chamber entrance where Valorix had departed.
