36: THE SHADOWS OF REBELLION

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Zara stood in her chambers, the weight of the morning's events pressing down on her like an iron chain. Alaric's words still echoed in her mind, cold and demanding. "Lady Vaelor acts second in command to Scarlet." It was a small victory, yet it felt hollow. She had hoped that Lady Vaelor would be the court lady who was her first in command and with her political savvy and connections, Zara hoped she could help her find allies within the council, those who still opposed Alaric's rule. 

later that day, She paced, trying to steady her breath, Lady vaelor had told her that she was out, in search of someone whom she heard could be an ally but Zara hadn't heard back and so she worried...What had Lady Vaelor discovered? The walls felt as though they were closing in. There was unrest in the kingdom, but it was not openly spoken about. People who once pledged allegiance to her were now afraid to stand by her.