The courtyard erupted into chaos.
"What?"
"Protector of the Realm?"
"By whose authority?"
The questions exploded from every direction.
King Aldric's reunion with Elira was instantly overshadowed by the scout's announcement.
Lord Varyn had made his move.
And everyone understood what it meant.
Nikolai closed his eyes briefly.
The pieces finally fit together.
The attack in the valley.
The growing unrest.
The noble houses choosing sides.
The King's escape.
Someone had been creating chaos.
Not for the throne.
For power.
And now Varyn was stepping into the vacuum.
Adrian slammed a fist against the council table.
"How many support him?"
The scout swallowed.
"Five noble houses have already declared for him."
The room went silent.
Five.
That wasn't rebellion.
That was the b
