Chapter 38 — When Ideals Burn
The first city to fall did not burn.
That was what unsettled Elowen most.
No screams echoed through its streets. No plumes of smoke rose to stain the horizon. No blood ran through the gutters to announce conquest. The city of Viremont simply… changed.
Its gates remained open. Its markets bustled. Its banners still bore the sigil of their ruling council. But when the Assembly's envoys arrived, they were turned away politely, firmly, with smiles that never reached the eyes.
"We have chosen stability," the guards told them. "You are no longer required."
"We have chosen stability," the guards told them. "You are no longer required."
When the message reached Blackspire, it was accompanied by a formal declaration signed by every council member of Viremont.
They pledged allegiance to the True Crown Compact.
Elowen read the document three times, her fingers cold.
"He didn't conquer them," Ryn said grimly. "They defected."
