Another advisor, a woman with a calculating demeanor, added, "What of their allies, Your Grace? If we can sow discord among them, it would leave the New Dawn Kingdom isolated and vulnerable."
"Indeed," Elyara agreed. "Spread rumors, fabricate grievances—do whatever is necessary to erode their alliances. But be cautious. We must maintain plausible deniability."
A third advisor, younger but no less ambitious, hesitated before speaking. "What of Queen Lirael herself, Your Grace? She is the linchpin of her kingdom's strength. If she could be swayed—or removed—her people would be far easier to manage."
Elyara's lips curved into a cold smile. "An intriguing thought. But Lirael is no fool, and any overt action against her would provoke a backlash. No, we must take a different approach."
