SIX MONTHS AFTER SERA'S TRANSFORMATION - COUNCIL CHAMBER
"The Kingdom of Veritas is THREATENING invasion."
I looked up from the trade agreements I'd been reviewing. The messenger—one of Shadow's intelligence operatives—stood at attention, breathing hard from running.
"Invasion?" Valeria leaned forward. "On what GROUNDS?"
"They claim our 'democratic experiment' is destabilizing the region. That removing divine monarchy threatens the 'natural order.' Their army is mobilizing at our eastern border. Fifty thousand troops. Maybe more."
The council chamber erupted.
"FIFTY THOUSAND—"
"We can't fight that many—"
"We don't have the RESOURCES—"
"ORDER!" I slammed my hand on the table. "Everyone CALM DOWN."
Silence fell.
Six months had taught them I didn't yell unless things were SERIOUS.
"Valeria," I said. "Military assessment. Can we defend against that force?"
