King Eldrion did not shout.
That was what made it worse.
The council stood in silence as the palace official finished speaking. The room felt tight, as if the walls had moved closer without anyone noticing.
"There is a price on my head," the king said quietly.
No one answered.
"A reward promised to the gods," Eldrion continued. "A throne offered to whichever son brings it."
His hand slowly closed around the arm of his chair.
"For years," he said, "we have defended. We have endured. We have buried our dead and told ourselves restraint made us righteous."
The priests shifted uneasily.
"And now," Eldrion said, his voice steady but cold, "Aethros turns my life into a challenge."
One council member stepped forward. "Your Majesty, this could be false. A planted lie."
Eldrion looked at him. "The details are too precise."
He turned his gaze to the priests. "You feel it too, don't you?"
The room grew heavier.
The head priest bowed slowly. "The spirits are disturbed. They sense intent. Blood intent."
For the first time, anger showed on Eldrion's face.
"So," he said, standing, "the gods protect Aethros while asking my death in return."
His fist struck the table.
"No."
The sound echoed through the chamber.
"For the first time," Eldrion said, "Nyvoria will not wait."
Gasps followed.
"You are lifting the defense law?" someone asked.
"Yes," the king replied. "For this moment only."
The room erupted into voices, but Eldrion raised his hand.
"And there is more," he said.
The doors behind the council opened.
Guards entered, pulling a chained figure between them.
Lord Vaelis.
His armor was gone. His wrists bound. But his eyes were sharp as ever.
Vaelis looked up and laughed softly. "Either kill me or let me speak."
Eldrion stepped down from the throne.
He reached out.
And removed the chains himself.
The room froze.
"You were reckless," Eldrion said to his brother. "You endangered everything."
Vaelis straightened. "And I was right."
The king met his gaze. "Yes."
A breath passed through the chamber.
"You will lead," Eldrion said. "But not blindly. You will strike where it hurts and stop."
Vaelis smiled slowly. "So Nyvoria finally bites back."
"Yes," Eldrion replied. "But this time, with purpose."
Outside, the bells began to ring.
Not in alarm.
In command.