Weekly Progress Update [11/MAR]

Making this one a freebie since I couldn't write any proper updates for February 🫡

I've finished the opening scene with Bazo and am almost done with the court scene as well! I'm still writing more slowly than I would like, but I feel more energetic and productive now that Spring is nearing, so hopefully I will be able to finish up the chapter between this month and April 🙏🏼

This chapter is a big one for set-up, which is probably why it's taking me more effort than usual. It's going to give some more details regarding Şevan, which is going to be the focus of the next arc.

Also, I'm gonna write it down here so I remember to include a scene for it: the people who chose to investigate the corpse of the assassin in CH9 using divination will get a little tidbit extra pointing them towards another lead they can follow. You all got that emotional letter from the assassin/victim's father in CH10, but other than that it wasn't really a clue on what else you could follow up on to track down the Followers of Vidarna, so CH13 will offer that for you!

Honestly, trying to keep all these plot threads straight in my head is basically impossible, but thankfully I've written it all down now. But once the Kham issue is fully resolved, it'll be a huge load off my back lmao. I really want the story to go into the Şevan arc with a clear goal for the main character, because the political situation there is already going to be complicated enough 😭

Here's a tiny little preview of the scene with Bazo, I struggled to pick anything because a lot of it is a bit too spoiler-y for my tastes. But it'll give you an impression of Bazo's character for now, as well as how tricky it will be to approach the situation in Şevan:

“I mean no offense, Your Imperial Majesty,” Bazo amends. “Nor would I ever suggest taking the Imperial Army into Şevan and going on a hunt. It would cause chaos and upheaval. What I was going to say was that it would not be an invasion if you ordered Şevan’s own army to do so.”

You take a moment to consider the steward’s words. “A clever way to circumvent accusations of tyranny, perhaps, but an act of aggression all the same. Is that what you are hoping for, steward?”

“My only hope is for the conflict to end sooner rather than later.” Bazo clears his throat before adding, “With as little bloodshed as possible.”

“So you don’t think I should execute them?” You arch a brow. “Then why suggest it?”

“Merely to know your thoughts on the matter, Your Imperial Majesty.” He inclines his head once more. “Forgive me if I have frustrated you with my ambiguity.”

He’s trying to ascertain your intentions. Perhaps in order to avoid positioning himself against you, or in order to be forewarned if he does plan on doing so.

Bazo is clearly treading carefully around the Crown, but you'll be able to decide whether to make an enemy or a (temporary) ally out of him. Your Crown's attitude towards Bazo and Bazo's own attitude towards your Crown will also differ at the beginning depending on whether you chose to condemn him, forgive him, or neither for missing your coronation back in CH7!

I do really love writing characters who all have their own competing agendas and motivations, but while it makes the story more interesting, it also makes it more complicated to write 😵‍💫 I have full faith that it'll be worth it in the end, though!

For this month, I'm planning on dropping some previews for R and D's scenes in CH13, and will be writing character/romance snippets for A, viewing their CH12 scenes through their POV ✨