"Power struggles are nothing compared to the chaos of bruised pride; a council divided is often louder than a kingdom at war."
Alaric's POV
The council chamber had seen its fair share of storms, but never one quite like this. Today, the winds of irritation were already gathering, and I had not even opened my mouth. High Chancellor Maelis sat at the head of the chamber like a brooding hawk, robes arranged too perfectly to be anything but deliberate, his expression already sour. I could almost feel his disapproval stabbing at me before he spoke.
"Your Majesty," Maelis said at last, his tone measured but carrying the edge of a whip, "we would very much appreciate an explanation as to why Blackthorne Security has been summoned into the heart of the Northern Kingdom. To my knowledge, we already have more than enough forces to secure this council and this alliance."
