Convergence of Crowns

The Eldorian royal council chamber fell silent as Shane finished his report. Queen Eleanor sat motionless on her ice-forged throne, her face unreadable as she absorbed the implications of what had transpired at Castle Viscine. The destruction of her crystal. The temporary defeat of Denise. The preserved balance of power—now tilted slightly in Eldoria's favor.

High Commander Reynard, standing at attention beside the throne, was the first to break the silence. "This is a decisive victory, Your Majesty. Princess Denise's prototype has been destroyed, and Prince Vincent's position has been weakened by the destruction of his sister's power base."

"Is that how you see it, Commander?" Eleanor's voice was cool, measured. Her ice-blue eyes shifted to Shane. "And you, Chief Engineer? Do you consider this a victory?"