When word reached the royal court that Duke Ronan von Ironhart and Duke Jason von Lysander had both refused the king's direct order, the palace was thrown into chaos.
The messenger, pale-faced and breathless, had delivered the news with trembling hands. In response, the king's rage exploded. He stood from his throne with such fury that the golden goblet beside him toppled to the marble floor, spilling wine like blood at his feet.
The order had been clear: to mobilize their forces and march against the sorceress Sienna-Rose, whose influence and growing power had become an open threat to the crown. Yet both dukes, respected leaders of the kingdom's strongest noble houses, had sent back only firm refusals. No knights. No banners. No support.
