"Princess Athea," Lysara announced, her voice cutting through the silence. "Perhaps you would clarify the jurisdiction of this matter for the Council."
Though Athea wasn't physically present, her holographic projection dominated the chamber. The image had been scaled larger than life—a deliberate choice that made her tower over every seated councilor, radiating authority that transcended the limitations of light and projection.
The hologram didn't flicker. Athea's gaze locked directly onto Zia, then swept over the dissenting councilors with withering disdain.
"It seems," Athea began, her voice melodic yet carrying the weight of a guillotine blade, "that some of you are struggling with the concept of hierarchy."
She didn't raise her voice. She didn't need to. She was Athea Lumina, future Queen. People listened even when she whispered.
