We didn’t have time to change back out of our gambesons. We were covered in dust and plaster from the old archives. Even as we stepped into the gilded halls of the main castle, Torian maintained a fiercely protective closeness to me. “They will be expecting weakness,” Torian murmured as we approached the Council Chamber. “Show them strength, not exhaustion. Be resolute.”
As we entered the council chamber, I noticed Lord Kaelen watching us with a mix of skepticism and concern. He was surrounded by the other lords and ladies of the Council, all sat at the massive semi-circular table. Torian led me to the center of the chamber where we stood united. He spoke first, his voice carrying the authority of a king who had just managed a crisis. “Councilors. Before we discuss the minor internal secu
