****
The hall crackled with a tension so thick it felt like the air itself might snap.
Blood still glistened on the marble under the flickering light, overturned tables lay like fallen soldiers, and the scent of incense mixed with sweat and fear hung heavy.
Every eye was fixed on the two cousins facing off in front of the throne.
Rion stopped mid-turn, one eyebrow raised in that cool, curious way that said he was already three steps ahead and enjoying the view.
A slow, dangerous smirk tugged at his lips.
“Oh?” he drawled, voice loud enough for the entire council to hear. “Does my royal cousin have another decree? You want me to chase after your crown for you? Or maybe help you climb those stairs so you don’t face-plant in front of your subjects the second time?”
A couple of counc
