The Court of Silence.
The estate of Prince Willandar Orange sat on an isolated island in the southwestern corner of the Royal Capital, like a great beast that had long been dormant, now slowly opening its eyes.
This once-forgotten island had now become the eye of a political storm once more.
On the stone bridge connecting the island to the mainland, the once-overgrown moss had been scrubbed spotlessly clean. In its place were the heavy, orderly footsteps of the black-armored guards on patrol. The sound of metal boots striking the stone surface echoed over the canal like a cold, relentless rhythm.
The long conference table in the council hall of the Prince's estate was packed with people.
Those seated were all minor and mid-level nobles—not just Baron Valen, but also dozens of Viscounts, Barons, and powerful Knights with wealthy fiefdoms from the Sea Province and the areas surrounding the Royal Capital.
At this moment, these nobles were on pins and needles.
