One by one, the councilors rose, bowing their heads respectfully though their expressions were tense. The room began to clear, but Thaddeus held Caledon back with a subtle motion of his hand.
At the meeting, he noticed a missing face.
"Lord Oatrun did not come to this meeting," Thaddeus said, his tone dripping with contempt when they're finally alone, glancing toward Caledon, his trusted advisor.
He claimed he was unwell and couldn't make it to today's meeting, Your Majesty," Caledone replied, his voice even.
But Thaddeus caught the flicker of doubt in Caledon's eyes, the faint disdain in the words that followed. "Coward."
The silence stretched between them, and Caledon posture was tense, as he waited for Thaddeus.
After a moment of painful silence, Thaddeus finally asked with a weary expression. "What would you advise, Caledon?" His voice was tinged with bitterness. "What do you make of their suggestion?"
