Theodore Selaris of House Selaris sat in Sparkshire's main common room, observing the social dynamics of his peers with calculating precision that came naturally to someone raised in a political environment.
Power comes to the worthy, Theodore believed fundamentally. But worthiness isn't birthright. It's capability refined through deliberate action.
His appearance reflected that philosophy—immaculate uniform, composed bearing, subtle markers of wealth that suggested his influence without flaunting it. Everything calculated to project an authority that felt earned rather than assumed.
The followers gathered around him didn't share that understanding.
Minor nobles mostly. A few wealthy merchants' children. All convinced that their birth conferred automatic superiority, that common origins meant an inherent inferiority.
Fools, Theodore thought without a visible expression. Useful fools, but fools nonetheless.
