Chapter 82: Unrest
In the opulent meeting room of the royal palace, a group of high-ranking nobles gathered, their ornate clothing rustling as they shifted uncomfortably in their seats. The tension in the air was thick, the atmosphere heavy with barely restrained animosity. At the head of the room, seated on a throne that exuded authority, was the King, his face expressionless as he listened to the complaints being presented before him.
Beside the King, the Crown Prince lounged in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, a sly smirk playing on his lips. His presence was a stark contrast to his father’s regal stoicism; where the King maintained a sense of calm, the Crown Prince radiated condescension. His eyes glittered with barely hidden satisfaction as the nobles voiced their grievances. It was no secret that he relished the discomfort of others, especially when it served his own purposes.
"Your Majesty," one of the more outspoken nobles, Duke Edrin, began, his voice dripping with indignation.
"This is intolerable! General Thorne has overstepped his bounds yet again. His recent actions against the Robbens Dukedom are a blatant show of unchecked power. A military man, no matter how skilled, should not have the authority to dismantle a noble house without proper approval from the Crown!"
Murmurs of agreement echoed through the room, and several nobles nodded, their faces pale with concern. It wasn’t just about Thorne’s actions against the Robbens—they feared what might come next. If a man of Thorne’s power could so easily topple a dukedom, what was stopping him from coming for their own houses?
Duke Harrick, an older noble with a stiff posture, spoke up next.
"We are not questioning General Thorne’s capabilities as a military leader. He has served this kingdom well on the battlefield. But we must consider the precedent this sets. If the nobility is no longer secure, if a military figure can move against us with impunity, then where does that leave the balance of power in the kingdom?"
A few nods and whispers of assent followed, but not all were convinced. Some had always viewed Thorne as a necessary force, a sword to wield in times of uncertainty. Others, however, saw him as a threat—an unpredictable man with too much influence and far too much ambition for their comfort.
The Crown Prince, who had been silent up until now, finally decided to speak. He leaned forward, his smile widening as he addressed the King.