The Decisive Plots

Observing the Queen nod in response with a faint smile on her lips, Orion turned and exited the throne room. He encountered the royal guards who had escorted him here, falling in step with them as they led him back to his room.

Once Orion had left, the king turned his attention to the elders of the Crystalforge Clan who had attended the meeting specifically to confirm that Orion was indeed a foreigner from outside the mountain. He said, "The meeting is dismissed," and his voice echoed throughout the throne room. He observed as each elder respectfully nodded and rose from their chairs, exiting the room.

Even his daughter and her personal guard had departed, leaving only the servants and the royal couple in the room.

The Queen, however, questioned, "Was that necessary?" just as the king was preparing to rise from his throne. 

The King arched an eyebrow, puzzled by her question.