The royal courtroom still reeked of blood and fear.
Varek's corpse had been taken away, though the crimson trail it left behind still stained the floor — a haunting reminder of how close they had come to executing an innocent prince.
The council chamber buzzed with whispers and tight jaws as the High Council retreated for a short, urgent deliberation behind closed doors. Guards remained on edge, their hands twitching on their weapons. No one dared speak too loudly. The truth had come out, yes — but its roots had only begun to show.
At last, the ornate double doors opened, and the Head of the Council, stepped forward, flanked by the other elders.
He cleared his throat, commanding silence.
“In the light of the new discoveries,” he began, voice grave but measured, “and the latest… shocki
