The atmosphere inside the throne room was thick with tension, the air heavy and silent as each person took their seat around the large circular table.
The grand chamber was lit by tall torches lining the walls and a massive chandelier hanging above, its light reflecting off the polished stone floor.
The room's regal decor, a mix of gold accents and emerald-green banners bearing the Valeidio crest, only added to the weight of the moment.
King Xavian sat at the head of the table, his posture firm and authoritative, though his eyes carried a somber weight.
To his right sat Theron, his eldest son, leaning slightly forward, his hands clasped in front of him. Lord Cedric occupied the seat beside Theron, his expression hard and unreadable as his fingers drummed lightly on the edge of the table.
Kaelix sat next, his posture deceptively calm but betrayed by the subtle twitch in his jaw and the clench of his fists resting on the armrests of his chair.
