Several ministers shifted uncomfortably, guilt etched across their faces. Many had inherited their positions through family connections rather than through any merit of their own. They knew the king's words cut deep, and they had no defense.
"If you're so sure of my incapacity to lead," Oberon said, his tone a dark challenge, "you are free to challenge me for the throne."
As his words echoed in the chamber, the temperature in the room began to plummet. Frost formed on the walls, and the air grew so cold that the breath of the gathered lords misted in the air.
Oberon might be old but his mastery over ice magic was legendary, and today he was reminding them just how powerful he was. The only one rumored to rival him in power was Aldric —and only because Aldric wielded both ice and shadow magic.
"Do you have anything else to say?" Oberon asked, his voice cutting through the cold.
