Like a nervously pulsating heart, the atmosphere was heavy as the Asura Queen quitely gazed at the ministers without saying a word.
The ministers within the court clutched their armrests in wait, each second raising their anxiety.
"First." The Queen said, her voice slicing through the stillness like a blade. All eyes turned to her. "How far have the Asuras fallen, to dress failure in the perfume of flowery words."
The ministers felt their breath shorten. 'Nothing goes past the keen eyes of the Queen.' They thought and tried to calm their nerves.
The Asura Queen continued, "Octavia was our well-kept secret. To have three of the strongholds revealed expresses the incompetence of everyone present."
The ministers looked down, daring not to see the Queen.
"Never try to mask failures. And never think that it would be overlooked."
The ministers were silent, more tense than ever.
"Second. Octavia is our last line of defense. If it falls, the Asuras fall."
