Chapter 3

The air in the council chamber was thick with scrutiny. I could feel it pressing against my skin like a cloak lined with thorns. The men seated at the long table did not even bother to conceal their disdain. Some of them whispered behind cupped hands, while others merely stared, waiting for me to falter.

I would not give them the satisfaction.

King Aldric sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable. Lucian was to his right, perfectly composed, his gloved fingers resting lightly against the arm of his chair. If he felt any discomfort at my presence, he did not show it. I supposed I should be grateful for that small mercy, though I had no doubt he was watching me just as closely as the others.

"Let us begin," Aldric announced, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "The first matter of discussion—Hull's trade routes."

A heavy silence followed, and then a nobleman across the table cleared his throat. "Your Majesty," he began, his tone carefully neutral. "Surely this is a matter for Praylor's trade council."

"And yet here we are discussing it," Aldric replied smoothly, his gaze never wavering. "As Hull is now bound to Praylor through Lady Verona's union with my son, she will be included in these discussions."

A murmur rippled through the chamber. The nobleman who had spoken—Lord Edric Montreve, if I remembered correctly—slowly inclined his head but did not look at me. "Of course, Your Majesty."

I studied him carefully. His voice was polite, but there was something in his eyes that put me on edge. A calculation, a quiet dismissal. He did not see me as a threat.

Good. Let him underestimate me. It would make my victory all the sweeter.

The discussion moved forward, shifting between matters of trade, taxation, and the ongoing unrest along Praylor's western borders. I listened carefully, memorizing names and disputes, noting the alliances woven between the men in the room. They had spent years maneuvering through this game of power. I had only just stepped onto the board, but I was learning quickly.

Then, just as the meeting was drawing to a close, Lord Montreve spoke again.

"There is one more issue to address, Your Majesty," he said, his eyes flicking to me briefly before returning to Aldric. "The matter of Lady Verona's role within our court."

The room fell into a weighted silence.

Aldric raised a brow. "Explain."

"Surely there must be a discussion regarding the extent of her involvement in these proceedings," Montreve continued. "After all, Hull has never before been included in Praylor's internal affairs."

"Hull has never before been tied to Praylor through marriage," Aldric countered. "Or did you think my son's bride was meant to be merely a decorative addition to our halls?"

A few of the council members chuckled, though the sound was laced with discomfort.

Montreve smiled thinly. "Of course not, Your Majesty. I merely wished to ensure that boundaries were set appropriately."

It was the way he said "boundaries" that made my blood simmer. As if I needed to be caged, my influence carefully contained. As if my mere presence was an inconvenience.

I leaned forward slightly, letting my gaze settle on Montreve with quiet deliberation. "You speak of boundaries, Lord Montreve. Tell me, do you fear that I might overstep?"

The room fell silent again. A few men shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

Montreve turned to me at last, his expression smooth. "I only mean to say that the structure of this court has remained unchanged for decades. Change, when abrupt, can be… difficult to navigate."

"Difficult for whom?" I asked, tilting my head.

His lips pressed into a thin line. "For those unaccustomed to it."

"Ah," I mused, settling back in my chair. "Then perhaps the court would do well to grow accustomed to it quickly."

A flicker of something passed through his gaze—irritation, perhaps. But it was gone before I could be certain.

From beside me, Lucian exhaled softly, though whether it was amusement or exasperation, I couldn't tell.

"That will be enough for today," Aldric said, his tone making it clear that the discussion was over. "You are all dismissed."

The council members stood, offering bows before making their way toward the exit. I did not move immediately, instead watching as Montreve lingered slightly before following the others out.

"You made an enemy today," Lucian murmured beside me.

I turned to him, arching a brow. "Did I? I thought I merely made my presence known."

His lips twitched slightly, though the amusement did not quite reach his eyes. "Be careful, Verona. Montreve is not a man to be taken lightly."

"Neither am I."

For a moment, he simply looked at me, something unreadable flickering behind his gaze. Then he shook his head slightly and rose from his chair. "Come. I will walk you back to your chambers."

I hesitated briefly before following him out of the chamber, my mind already spinning with thoughts of what had just transpired.

As we stepped into the dimly lit corridor, Lucian slowed his pace, allowing me to walk beside him instead of trailing behind. The silence stretched between us, heavier than before.

"You handled yourself well," he finally said, his voice quiet.

I glanced at him, searching for sarcasm, but found none. "I thought you preferred silence."

His lips quirked slightly. "I prefer competency. Today, you showed it."

A small, unexpected warmth bloomed in my chest, but I quickly smothered it. "I'm glad to have exceeded your expectations, Your Highness."

Lucian huffed a quiet laugh. "You are impossible."

"I have been told as much."

We reached my chamber doors, and he hesitated for the briefest moment before speaking again. "The court will continue to challenge you. They will not stop."

"Then I will not stop either."

For the first time, something like approval flickered in his icy gaze. He gave a small nod before stepping back. "Rest well, Verona."

He turned and disappeared down the hall, leaving me standing at my door, my heartbeat just a little steadier than before.

I had made my first move. And now, the game had truly begun.