Chapter 78: The First Cut
The hall shook less with sound, and more with the tightening of unseen strings, pulled taut around every heart present.
Velrosa’s refusal to denounce Ian had shattered the opening rites. Now, every noble, every Council member, watched her with new calculation — admiration for her brazenness, or hatred for her foolishness.
Lady Morravel did not so much as flinch.
"The First Claim shall be heard," she said coldly.
From the crowd, a figure moved: tall, wrapped in rich burgundy silks stitched with golden embroidery, his smile as thin and oily as a blade dipped in poison.
Lord Faelric Vallis.
Scion of House Vallis, a serpent in nobleman’s skin.
He bowed low — too low — before the Council, before the gathering of the great Houses, and finally before Velrosa herself.
The mockery in it was razor-sharp.
"My Lords and Ladies of the Council, and assembled witnesses of noble blood," he said, voice like syrup over thorns. "It is with great sorrow that I bring forth my claim. I accuse Velrosa Lionarde of Severing a Sworn Alliance without due cause or public arbitration—a violation of the Fifth High Law of Noble Conduct."
A low ripple moved through the chamber.