The doors of the grand council chamber remained shut, sealing the simmering animosity of the realm's ruling factions within the walls.
Sunlight filtered through the high clerestory windows, illuminating swirling motes of incense that drifted above the gilded emblems of the five founding Houses.
King Atheron leaned back against the golden crest of the lion throne, a faint smirk playing across his rugged lips as he watched the nobles digest his decree.
His steady monarchical gaze swept slowly across the raised dais, reading the naked ambition and territorial greed etched into every aristocratic face before him.
Beneath the towering colonnade, Didi took a quiet, deliberate breath, steadying her pulse before stepping out of the shadows with steady grace.
Her leather guild shoes clicked softly against the marble floor, drawing the sharp, predatory gazes of the northern and maritime lords in an instant.
