"Some wars are fought with steel, others with silence, but the most dangerous of all are fought with words sharpened into weapons.
The council hall had finally dispersed, leaving in its wake the faint smell of incense, sweat, and wounded pride. Maelis had stormed out muttering about protocol, the Wolf guard had departed in a clanking of armor, and Marcus had trailed behind Elias like a wary hound trying not to draw fire. I had just turned toward the long corridor leading to my private chambers when her voice cut through the silence like a blade.
"Your Majesty King Alaric"
It was not a request, it was a demand, wrapped in silk but sharpened with steel. I stilled, half tempted to keep walking just to see how far she would chase me. I turned slowly. "Luna Seraphine, I thought you were far too distracted during the council meeting to notice anything. I stand corrected."
