[Third Person].
"Very well," Draven said calmly. "Since Elder Fellowes is too ill to serve, I hereby remove him from the Council of Elders. Effective immediately."
The words fell like a stone into still water. Shock rippled through the hall, yet no one dared speak. Even those who had expected this punishment had not expected permanent expulsion.
On the other hand, Randall's brows drew together slightly. He stepped forward just enough to speak without appearing confrontational.
"Your Majesty," Randall began evenly, "perhaps stripping his voting privileges would suffice. Dismissal may be… excessive."
Draven did not even look at him. "My decision stands."
Randall fell silent. The message was clear; the throne no longer negotiated.
Then, Draven reached to his side and lifted a folded sheet of parchment, and the air shifted. Several elders' faces drained of colour immediately as they recognized it.
