The Throned Crown

s expression neutral, his sharp mind cataloging every word, every fleeting glance between nobles. Each

el Al

every bit of his presence like a blade concealed in velvet. The tension in the room was palpable, and Aelr

ce cut through the room, pullin

t his gaze evenly, careful

g intensity as before. "The council has no further need of you tonigh

he dipped his head in a show

red whispers and sideways glances. Aelric remained behind, his pu

ce, his presence a tangible force. "Follow me," h

atever it was, he couldn't afford to falter. He had spent years preparing for

lavish decor seeming to close in around them. The air grew colder, t

its iron hinges gleaming faintly. He pushed it open,

said, his voice so

r a long table and a map spread across its surface. His eyes flicked over it, taking in th

nd them, the soft click of t

s, General?" Cassiel ask

Aelric replied, h

e a shadow at Aelric's back. "And every battlefie

e word slicing throu

ors hide in plain sight, wearing masks of loyalty. They think they're cleve

e forced himself to answer. "

im, his storm-gray eyes borin

ssiel's gaze, refusing to look away even as the prince'

ice dropping to a whisper, "I'm there to remi

m, taut as a bowstring. Then Cassiel steppe

one as casual as if they had

ff guard by the abrupt d

iel said, turning back to the ma

read between the lines, to find the trap hidden in C

d left the chamber, the princ

always

ring out at the darkened palace grounds. His fists clenched at hi

s dangerous, unpredictable-a

ldn't shake the feeling that Cassiel's

been a

siel wanted to play games, Aelric would oblige. But the prince w

str