The morning sun crept through the frost-laden windows of the council chamber, casting an ethereal glow on the faces of those gathered within. The room was unusually silent, the air heavy with the weight of Lady Sallis's arrest and the conspiracies it had unveiled. Though Damien had exposed two of the court's traitors, he knew the ripples of their actions were far from over.
Seated at the head of the long, polished table, the king's expression was stony, his hands folded tightly as he listened to Damien's report.
"Lady Sallis has confessed to aiding Farrin," Damien said, his steel-gray eyes sweeping the chamber. "She admits to coordinating with his allies to undermine the crown's authority and destabilize Winter's Crown. Her goal was to force the court to cede control to their faction."
The murmurs of the gathered nobles were subdued, their fear palpable. Lady Erynn, standing near the king, raised a hand to silence them.
