My Lord, Why Do You Rebel?

The Empire trembles at whispers of Duke Eliot Igor's treachery—forbidden magic, demonic pacts, armies of the undead! Yet his domain issues stern denials: their lord is a paragon of nobility, handsome and capable, utterly loyal to the crown. He has never bargained with demons, commanded death itself, or called dark gods his allies! The prosperity of his lands? Purely legitimate. His respect for the Emperor? Absolute. His interest in the throne? Nonexistent. Really. Truly. The lawyers insist. But when rumors grow this loud, perhaps the truth is far more dangerous than anyone dares admit.