Chapter 395: The Heated Discussion Before Departure
The grand hall of Grafen Castle was dimly lit, the flickering chandeliers casting a warm yet serious glow over the vast room. Lyan sat at the head of the long table, a detailed map of the capital spread before him. His eyes traveled over the map for a moment before shifting to the people seated around him—the core members of his family. Wilhelmina, Surena, Alice, Emilia, Arielle, Belle, Althea, Alina, Xena, Josephine, Tesha, Ravia, Raine, and even the three mountain tribeswomen, Lara, Tara, and Sigrid, were all present. It was a full gathering, and the air was thick with tension.
Lyan could sense the anxiety and unease among the group. The unknowns of the upcoming royal banquet were enough to make anyone wary. He cleared his throat, his gaze softening as it met each of their eyes in turn. He wanted them to understand the gravity of the situation, but also how much he valued their well-being.
"Thank you all for coming," Lyan began, his voice calm but firm. But everyone could see the hint of hesitation from his face.
Of course.
The topic of today’s agenda might be a little bit difficult, after all.
"You’ve probably guessed why I called this meeting. The banquet in the capital is not just a simple event. Prince Erich wants to gather the lords and, most likely, is using this banquet to prepare for an impending conflict. That means a lot of unknowns and risks, especially for those of us who choose to attend." He paused, letting his words sink in. He knew each of the people in this room was willing to lay down their life for him, but he didn’t want to put them in harm’s way needlessly.
He pointed at the map. "The capital is unpredictable right now, and we don’t know exactly what we’re walking into. There will be intrigue, politics, and possibly danger. On top of that, Grafen must remain well-protected. We can’t afford to leave our territory vulnerable while we’re away." He met each of their eyes again, his gaze lingering.
"That’s why we need to decide who will come with me and who will stay here to ensure Grafen’s safety."
Wilhelmina shifted in her seat, her eyes flashing with determination. Lyan gave a small nod in her direction.
"Wilhelmina?"
She didn’t hesitate.