Elara's pov
The talk went on. Trade roads. Safety patrols along borders. Working together to protect merchants. My council argued about every point, giving different views, making me find the middle and decide. Thorin's advisors just said yes to whatever Thorin said he wanted.
The difference was becoming painfully clear to everyone in the room.
After nearly an hour, we reached a natural break. Servants brought drinks and small plates of food, wine, water, little snacks. I took water and was glad for it. My stomach was still not settled, and wine seemed like a very bad idea.
Thorin drank some wine and then spoke, his voice pleasant but curious. "Your Majesty, I noticed earlier that your personal guard is the same man who endangered your life some days ago."
I felt Kaelen's presence shift slightly behind me. Not a move anyone else would see. But I saw it.
"He didn't endanger my life but meet ," I said carefully. "Captain Kaelen."
