The tension in the council chamber was suffocating, each breath Jess took in feeling heavier than the previous one.
“The decision is final.” Councilman Lorne said, his eyes scanning the room. “Queen Jess will prove her worthy by settling the situation in the Silver Law Province of the Western Lands. Their leaders have continued to be defiant for years, and their grievances must be addressed now.”
Jess stood right at the spot, her heart beating faster inside her chest. Silver claw. The name alone reminded her of the tales of rebellion she had read about in books and heard their names always whispered in his tones throughout the kingdom.
“This is completely absurd.” Luca’s voice cut through the room like a sharp blade, his fists slamming into the polished oak table. The crack echoed in th
