"Personally? I'm betting on the Champions Alliance."
"It's the only play where we keep our loot, keep our base, and maybe—just maybe—expand our territory later."
"Of course, that depends on us grinding enough reputation with them to prove we aren't a liability."
King Nyx didn't get to be the First Night King by being blind. He saw the endgame clearly.
"Brother," King Beta asked, frowning, "if you were so sure, why didn't you just say that in the Council Hall? Why the silence?"
Beta was an Arch Lord, but he still thought like a warrior, not a ruler. The theatrics baffled him.
"I think Uncle Malachai is better suited to explain that one."
Grand Marshal Malachai chuckled, shooting a knowing look at the First King.
"Beta, listen closely. The Council isn't there to control us. We use the Council to control the Tribe."
"The Council exists to give the illusion of fairness, of transparency, of democracy. It makes the commoners feel involved. It makes them feel safe."
