The council chamber was already full when Lucian and Selene entered. Nobles stood in tight clusters, whispering behind raised hands, their expressions pinched with unease. Conversations died the instant the King stepped through the doorway, and the silence that followed was sharp enough to cut.
Selene walked half a step behind Lucian, not subservient, but disciplined. Her presence sent a ripple through the room. Some nobles bowed deeply out of respect. Others barely inclined their heads, their eyes narrowing with calculation.
Lucian took his place at the head of the long table. Selene remained standing at his right, hands clasped behind her back, every inch the Commander she had been forged to be.
Lord Mallin was the first to speak, his tone too smooth to be genuine. "Your Majesty. We are grateful you gathered us on such short notice."
"You requested the audience," Lucian replied curtly. "State your concerns."
