"Why is the Lord Chancellor absent from today's council meeting?" King Tharyn, who sat on his throne facing the council members standing before him, asked.
At once, the council became quiet. Every lord lowered his head slightly and was not willing to be the first to speak.
Finally, Lord Daryn, known as Vanýr 's ally, stepped forward. He bowed slightly before speaking.
"Your Majesty, perhaps it is because the time you gave him to provide proof has passed. Proof of the matter concerning the dragon rider… that he is the son of the late Lucian Velzorah. The Chancellor promised he would bring evidence, but until now, he has brought nothing."
The lords muttered among themselves, and before the King could answer, another voice spoke boldly.
"Or perhaps," said Lord Lucius as he took a step forward, "it is because he is the prime suspect in the poisoning of the Queen."
