THE KING'S MAN

guards, made his way toward the commotion. He could hear the voices long before he reached the gates - women's voice

more than any palace guards could easily manage. Their faces were a mix of determination and frustration, their clothes simp

ore, certainly not during his reign. It was unheard of for women to be this vocal, thi

eath, barely audible but enough for his guards t

example of these insolent women who dared to disrupt the peace of his palace. But j

resting on the king's arm to stop him. "Before you

ng a way to defuse the situation, but Thaddeus wasn't sure he wanted to entertain their grievances. His kin

h in him, a man who knew when to step forward and when to

frustration. "But make it quick. I w

broad frame parting the crowd of guards, his demeanor commanding but not aggressive

striking presence, with sharp features and a commanding voice - stepped out from the cr

but firm, signaling both an apology and an unwavering stance. She stood tall aga

pologize for the inconvenience, but we are here to address matters that affect the lives of our people." She paused, surveying the king

g the woman carefully. His lips tight

es, crops that feed the people of this land. But we are forced to pay taxes that we cannot afford. We do not trade in coin, we do not sel

in. The king's eyes flickered with irritation,

us, refuse to give us the space to sell what we have grown, and take a portion of what little we earn. We ask for the right to trade freely, to sell our g

omen behind her, who

d as second-class citizens. We are told to stay home, raise children, and keep to ourselves. We want the right to educate ourselve

d narrowed further, his face growing darker with each sentence she spoke. But it was clea

on to something else - something more dangerous. He was not a man who took kindly to being challenged, especially by a group

commanding. "You speak of your grievances, but do you think

defy you, Your Majesty," she replied. "We a

narrowed, his fists clenched. He had never allowed such defiance in his presence - never. His reign had

ce them once and for all, but before he could speak, his spokesman st

wful," he continued, "In Zuriah, women are not permitted to form rebellious or riotous gatherings. If you have grievances, you must take them to your husbands,

The women's leader remained unmoved, her stance strong

action. Leave now, and there will be no punishment. But if you do not dispe

with resolve. She took a step

ule with force, but we, the women of this kingdom, will not cower to oppression. These taxes, these

ed over his sword, preparing to give the order to arrest them. But just a

even the king to hesitate. She stood apart from him, her figure regal yet distant.

nsing the tension in the air, stepped forward slowly, her mov

dressing the king. Her tone was respectful,

e, but a flicker of hesitation passed through him. He had not expected her to intervene, es

his gaze hardening as h

ne seemed to command attention. The women, who had been chanting loudly moments before, fe

"I hear you," she said, her gaze sweeping over the women. "Your grievances ar

h a mix of skepticism and respect.

o the palace in the proper manner. We will listen,

a few paces behind. But then, with a deep breath, she nodded, b

e walking back toward the palace with graceful confidence. Her every step seem

had said little throughout the confrontation, his expression unreadable. But as Nyra t

rength, the way she held herself, commanded respect. Even in the face of defiance, she had managed to bring

red a look - no words exchanged, but there was understand

, his sister at his side. Princess Eloyan, who had been watching from a distance, said nothing as she follow

at no one else could - she had quelled the unrest, not through force, but with the quiet power of her words. His respect for he

but Nyra had just proven that she, t

s always, wou