Chapter 135: His Choice
"They’re the elders," Troy said in a hushed, panicked voice, leaning in closer to Ronan, as though that might soften the blow. "They said they want to meet Riven."
Ronan, who had just stepped out of his chambers, froze for a second.
"I—I didn’t know what to do!" Troy stammered. "They caught me on the way here. Said they knew Riven was with you and demanded an audience. I tried to say he wasn’t available, but they looked like they were already angry, really angry. And—and I kind of... Might’ve implied that I’d go talk to you and get back to them."
Ronan exhaled, jaw clenched.
"Troy," he said slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose, "go back and tell them to leave. Right now."
Troy blinked. "Wait—just like that?"
"Yes," Ronan said, unwavering. "Tell them I refused. He’s not meeting anyone."
"I—I get that, but..." Troy hesitated, visibly uncomfortable. "It’s the elders, Ronan. The elders. They’re not exactly the kind to just leave quietly. They looked angry already, and when they find out you’re turning them away—"
"So what?" Ronan snapped, his voice rising for the first time. "Let them be angry. I do not care about what they want."
Behind the door, Riven had pressed his ear against the wood the second he’d heard Troy’s voice outside. Now, his breath hitched as he listened.
The elders.