The Marquis turned sharply, irritated by the impatience around him. The noble he'd scolded fell silent but continued to fidget with his fingers, unable to shake his unease. Finally, Viscount Torburn stepped forward to diffuse the tension.
"Calm yourself. All we can do is wait—no need to let nerves get the better of us."
The noble hesitated, stammering but ultimately unable to find his words, turning away in frustration. Viscount Torburn sighed, sensing the noble's underlying concern.
The Imperial Court, no doubt.
By now, word of the Platinum Assembly and the North's search for a king would have reached the palace. With such events unlikely to sit well with the Imperial Court, the lords here would undoubtedly face consequences if their gamble didn't produce a new Northern king.
And with not a single candidate returning, the nobles' anxiety was understandable.
