The Pride of the Emperor unleashed a long-prepared broadside, catching the Iron Fist off guard.
The Frigates scattered by the Emperor's Children also slipped into position among the Iron Hands fleet according to the plan.
Rows of Macro-cannons along the ornate hull fired volley after volley with overwhelming force.
The purple-and-gold fleet swept swiftly through the black vessels, inflicting devastating punishment upon their former brother fleet and destroying most of their ability to retaliate.
Only the Gloriana-class Battleship Iron Fist, its massive hull blazing with furious flames, launched a counterattack against the Pride of the Emperor.
The precise barrage guided by the Simulacrum Sanctum slammed into the pristine, magnificent hull of the Pride of the Emperor, branding it with enormous scars of war.
"Father." Vespasian burst into Fulgrim's chambers without regard for protocol, striding hurriedly past half-finished canvases.
He saw his father looking at him with a somber expression and slowed his pace.
A spark of life flashed across Fulgrim's pale face. "How is the battle progressing?"
Vespasian drew a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
"The battle will soon be won, but what are you doing?"
"Attacking the Iron Hands?"
"Why?"
Fulgrim stared at Vespasian. "It is the Warmaster's order. Ferrus refused to obey the Warmaster's command."
"He also betrayed the oath he swore to me at Ural."
"I must punish them."
"Lord Ferrus betrayed you and the Warmaster? How is that possible?" The Lord Commander asked with a deeply furrowed brow.
"Why did you not tell us at the Royal Court Council before the battle?"
"All our military deployments were aimed at the Orks."
"Vespasian, are you questioning me?" Fulgrim's tone turned sharp.
"I obey the Warmaster's orders. This battle was never directed at the Orks from the very beginning."
"Then what was it about?" Vespasian asked