The grand hall was bathed in early morning light, casting an ethereal glow on the vaulted ceiling that depicted the final stand of the 300 Spartans—a subtle reminder of the sacrifice demanded by war. Malachi adjusted his cape as he strode in alongside Sir Bill, entering a space alive with murmurs and tension. The room was filled with Knight Commanders, high-ranking politicians, and fellow members of the Honor Guard. As they navigated toward the heavy double doors leading to the throne room, Malachi caught sight of Aedric, engaged in a focused conversation with Ser Ironclaw, who nodded approvingly at his former squire's words."Woke up on the wrong side of the bed, Malachi?" teased Dame Selina, her arms uncrossing as she greeted him with a cheeky smile. "You missed morning formation."Malachi rubbed his eyes, clearly still shaking off the remnants of sleep. "I'll make up for it... another time," he muttered, glancing at the room. "Thought only the knights were supposed to be here.""That was the plan," Sir Luther replied with a dismissive shake of his head. "But our delegate has friends in high places, and everyone here thinks they have the right to chime in.""Nothing wrong with expressing opinions, Sir Luther," Selina interjected, giving him a reassuring shoulder pat. "But with what's happened, I think we're all on the same page, regardless.""And the King will act," Sir Bill added firmly, casting a glance toward the double doors. "He'd never let this pass."Malachi looked over the crowd, sighing. "Our King is as cautious as he is brave, friends. If he chooses intervention, it'll be his decision and no one else's."The solemnity deepened as Bill regarded Malachi with a concerned expression. "How did you sleep, Malach?""Fine, Bill," Malachi replied shortly. "Just fine."Their conversation was cut short as Lord Crawley, Head of the Honor Guard, strode forward and announced, "All in attendance! The King and Queen!"The hall stilled as the kingdom's band began a reverent hymn, echoing off the marbled walls. The heavy doors swung open, revealing King Varrick in his royal tunic, decorated with medals and the emblem of the crown on his pauldrons. Beside him, Queen Catelyn wore an elegant black gown with a silver trim, her presence dignified and regal. As they descended the steps, members of the Honor Guard formed a protective box around the royal pair. Each politician and knight commander bowed deeply as they passed, the reverence palpable.Once at their thrones, the hall turned as one to face the Kingdom's ancient standard—a figure emerging from a cave, symbolizing enlightenment and bravery. It was one of Eldorath's oldest relics, handed down through generations and guarded by the Honor Guard Commanders. As Lord Crawley solemnly approached it, the assembly dropped to their knees, heads bowed.The King raised his hand, signaling everyone to rise, then cleared his throat. "Good morning, and thank you for gathering on short notice. As many of you know, we recently dispatched an envoy to Nebula to investigate alleged injustices against the populace. This morning, they returned to us—slain in their carriages, save the rider who bore their bodies back."Outrage swept through the hall, knights and politicians exchanging tense glances. A voice rang out, piercing the clamor. "They killed one of our own! I demand retribution! Send the army! Send the knights!"A ripple of cheers followed, but another politician—a woman with silver hair and a calm demeanor—rose above the fervor. "Must we rush to war? Haven't we lost enough already?" she implored. "Peace may still be an option, and if we wage war at every insult, we will see our sons and daughters sacrificed endlessly!"Knights stood stoically, refraining from joining the argument, but the room split sharply along partisan lines. Voices clashed, each side rallying behind their ideals.King Varrick lifted a hand, and the hall quieted. "Knight Commanders," he said, "your counsel?"Stepping forward, Father John, Commander of the Crimson Shield, offered a deep bow. "Your Majesty, the knights stand ready to serve at your command. But understand: if bloodshed is confirmed, I cannot guarantee that my knights will stand idle.""Heretic!" a voice from the political wing shouted, to gasps from others. "You are bound to obey the King!"Father John's eyes flashed as he responded, his voice unyielding. "The Crimson Shield exists to uphold peace, even if that means seeking justice where we must. Should I restrain my people from that, I'd be failing them."Another politician called out, "Your Majesty! Perhaps another concern worth discussing—the unprecedented size of the Crimson Shield! The knights are meant to be an elite few, not an unchecked legion!"Father John's glare was piercing. "Careful, sir," he warned. "Speak ill of my men again, and you'll find yourself in a darker corner than Nebula's."The hall's intensity surged, knights and politicians clashing verbally. In the midst of it all, Aedric noticed a brief flash of silk slipping through the crowd and paused, wondering if he recognized the figure.Raising his hand, King Varrick silenced the hall. Malachi stepped forward, drawing the monarch's eye."Your Majesty," Malachi began, "I apologize for not bringing this to you sooner... but I had a vision."The Queen, Lord Crawley, and the other Honor Guards turned to him, and the King's brow furrowed. "What did you see?"Malachi's voice dropped. "Korin... he's in Nebula, sire. And I fear he's behind this tragedy."King Varrick's eyes widened as he absorbed the news. "Are you certain?""Yes, my liege. I can't say if the Nebulans themselves are aware of him, but if he's maneuvering from the shadows, our envoy's deaths may be only the beginning."Lord Crawley leaned in, eyes narrowing with concern. "Sire, may I suggest we dispatch a small team to Nebula, tasked with bringing Korin to justice? Pin the envoy's deaths on him; his reputation alone will make it believable."Sir Luther added, "The Honor Guard could manage it, Majesty."But the King shook his head. "If Korin plots greater schemes, I'll need all of you here to safeguard my family. Malachi, lead this team. Choose four knights—you have my leave to select from any order."Malachi gave a slight nod, glancing to the Honor Guard behind him. "My liege, I'll consult with the Guard, but... I'd like to include Aedric."Dame Selina smirked. "You sure about that? He's young—might be safer leaving him here."Sir Bill added, "Couldn't agree more, Malachi. There are more experienced knights..."Malachi gave them both a measured look. "Maybe, but Aedric will be invaluable."The Queen leaned toward her husband. "Of all people, Aedric?"Varrick considered before speaking quietly. "If Malachi believes he's needed, let it be. Besides," he added, with a gentle glance toward his wife, "we can't shield him forever.""Thank you, my liege," Malachi said, bowing.King Varrick rose, his voice ringing through the hall. "I've kept a piece of information from you all, but no longer! We have reason to believe Korin, murderer and traitor, resides in Nebula and may have orchestrated this attack! We will send a select team, led by a member of my Honor Guard, to capture him and bring justice. Knight Commanders, meet me in my study for further instructions. The rest of you are dismissed!"