Loyalty lies with the crown

Alden sat upon the throne, eyes skimming over the gathered ministers. The usual suspects stood in orderly rows: the High Chancellor Merek, always smug; the Military Advisor Rhaul, stone-faced; and Minister Caldus, who had arrived earlier than usual with more than just ink and scrolls in tow.

Alden's fingers tapped the carved lion on his armrest. "What is this about a disturbance in Fernwatch?"

Merek stepped forward, always eager to speak. "Only rumors, Your Majesty. No formal complaints."

Minister Caldus cleared his throat. "Rumors, yes. But dangerous ones." He gestured to a scribe, who handed Alden a report sealed in red wax.

Alden broke the seal, unfolded the parchment, and read in silence.

A girl. A false name. A noble crest once believed lost. A servant claiming she had seen a birthmark behind the girl's ear, a mark belonging to the fallen House of Serren.