"We have problem. King Aldric just sent message. Public declaration that he's reclaiming throne. Says you've proven unfit to rule through your alliance with Architect and exposure of royal secrets. He's calling on nobles to support his return."
"He can't just reclaim throne. Abdication was legal and binding."
"He's claiming it was made under duress. That you forced him to abdicate by threatening to expose him as Weaver. Which technically is true."
"But we exposed him because he was Weaver. Because he was guilty."
"To conservative nobles, that doesn't matter. What matters is you used force against former king to take power. They're framing it as coup rather than legitimate succession."
"How many nobles are supporting him?"
"Unknown yet. But probably more than we'd like. King Aldric has spent decades building loyalty and blackmailing people. He has resources we don't."
"So we're facing civil war. Royal family divided. Kingdom choosing sides."
