Lord Dmitri wasn't finished trying to remove Adrian from power.
Evidence surfaced of Dmitri making deals with Asmodeus's former allies—demons who still opposed the coalition, who wanted supernatural species fractured and weak.
"He's been sabotaging our entity defenses," Marcus reported, his face grim. "Deliberately weakening barriers, feeding information to our enemies, positioning himself to take power when chaos erupts."
Adrian felt sick. "How long?"
"Months. Maybe longer."
The confrontation happened in the main Congress hall, with representatives from every species as witnesses.
"Lord Dmitri," Adrian said, his voice carrying authority despite his youth. "You stand accused of treason against the supernatural coalition. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty. This is a fabrication designed to eliminate political opposition."
"Then explain these communications." Marcus displayed evidence—messages between Dmitri and demon lords, plans to sabotage defenses, schemes to seize power.
Dmitri's face went pale. "This is fake—"
"It's authenticated by three different magical authorities," Grandmother Chen interrupted. "The evidence is legitimate."
The vote was unanimous. Dmitri was stripped of his title, his territory, and exiled from the coalition.
As guards escorted him out, Dmitri turned to Adrian with pure hatred. "You've made enemies, boy. More than you know. And when the entity comes, when everything falls apart, those enemies will be waiting."
After the confrontation, Adrian collapsed in Kieran's arms, the stress finally overwhelming him.
"I hate this," Adrian said. "The politics, the betrayals, the constant threats."
"I know. But you handled it perfectly. You protected the coalition, exposed a traitor, maintained your authority." Kieran kissed his forehead. "You're an incredible leader."
"I don't feel incredible. I feel exhausted."
"Then let me take care of you tonight. No responsibilities, no stress. Just us."