Chapter 75 - 74 - Council of Vultures
Their footsteps echoed softly along the white marble corridor that stretched toward the main council chamber. On one side, tall windows reflected the gray light of Belgrave’s overcast sky, while the other wall was lined with the crests of old glories—symbols that now felt hollow, like shadows from a faded age of triumph.
Anna Hartwell walked without haste, her old purple cloak swaying lightly with each step. Beside her, Louis Havel, Supreme Commander of the Royal Army, moved with heavy, burdened strides. Not a single word passed between them, yet the silence they carried was enough to make every servant and guard they passed bow deeply.
They entered the vast rectangular hall—The Royal Council Chamber. Inside, a long table of dark wood stretched nearly to the far end of the room, surrounded by high-backed chairs, each bearing the crest of a noble family. But at the end of the room, one chair stood larger than the rest, carved with the head of a lion and two crossed swords.
It was the Queen’s throne.
As soon as Anna and Havel stepped inside, the nobles already seated turned toward them. Dozens of eyes followed their every movement, wearing expressions of unease, anger, curiosity, and in some cases, veiled, cunning smiles. Whispered voices immediately rose like a soft stream—quiet, yet piercing.
"Why are they only arriving now?"
"They’ve kept us waiting."
"What does it mean? Is she really... dead?"
"..."
Anna remained calm. Her gaze swept across the room like an invisible blade. She knew what they were thinking. These people were no patriots. They were merchants of power. And when the scent of collapse lingered in the air, they didn’t ask ’What can we save?’—they asked What can we take?’
Louis Havel moved ahead and sat in the chair prepared at the right side of the throne—the seat of the Supreme Commander.
Anna followed, taking the seat meant for only one other person in the entire kingdom besides the Queen herself: the Queen’s Right Hand. She was the chief advisor, bearer of the royal seal, and the only one authorized to represent the sovereign in legal matters during council.