The Third Option
"…you will need to choose sides far more carefully than you ever have."
A hush dropped through the space. Stillness took hold without warning.
Robert said nothing.
Smiled faintly.
He whispered it low, so just William would catch the words
"You're enjoying this."
William didn't answer.
A quiet grin came across his face instead.
Heavy silence pressed down on the room, damp and close like soaked fabric. Light from the ceiling fixture stuttered, causing shapes to squirm across the walls, as if eavesdropping. Each small noise - a floorboard groaning, a pane rattling - now rang out sharp and clear.
A few lords fidgeted. Staring down, some fixed their eyes on the wood grain. William stood under glances sharp like tension before a storm. Silence held the room tight. Speaking first felt dangerous.
Voices vanish when fear takes hold.
Renn broke.
