Vesperine's jaw tightened. A muscle jumped in her cheek, the only visible sign of anger breaking through her controlled exterior.
"Then what," she hissed, her voice dropping lower but carrying edge that could cut, "do you want to do? Hmm? Please, enlighten me with your brilliant strategy, Your Majesty."
She took a step forward, her green eyes blazing now.
"Engage in war? Do you even comprehend what we're facing? It's not just Lioren demanding justice. It's not just one kingdom we've offended!"
She began counting on her fingers, her voice rising with each item.
"The Theocracy of Lioren, who controls half the continent's religious authority. The Beastkin Confederation, whose warriors could tear through our borders in days if they unified. The Elven Courts of Silvermere, who've been looking for excuse to reclaim the Whispering Woods for three centuries. The Vampire Dominion, whose raiders are already bleeding into our territories."
