Chapter 90 - Consequences - II
** Main Castle Meeting Chambers
Selene sat at the head of a long dark wood table adorned with gold accents that reflected the light of floating magical candles around the room. Her face was a mask of serenity, but her sharp, blade-like eyes betrayed the tension she carried. Before her sat four leaders of the kingdom's most influential noble families, their expressions ranging from calculated courtesy to poorly concealed impatience.
The heavy silence was broken by Thomas Ferrox Umbra, a tall man with graying hair—Thadeus's grandfather, whose deep voice echoed through the chamber.
"Queen Selene, there's no sense in continuing to refuse a marital alliance with the kingdom's most trusted leaders. Glenn is a valuable asset, and your refusal to allow him to wed someone from our families only increases the pressure from other races and factions. A strategic union would solve many of the problems we face."
Selene tilted her head slightly, as if considering his words, but her response was firm. "Glenn is not an 'asset,' Thomas. He is an individual with his own will. Moreover, marrying him into one of your families wouldn't solve the problem, it would merely shift it to another sphere of influence. You know this."
"With all due respect, Your Majesty, you're underestimating the impact of your decisions. The other races are restless. The magic tower representatives are camped at your gates, demanding access to Glenn. And what are you doing? Nothing. This isn't just a political issue, it's a matter of economic survival," interjected Mira Lunaris Argentum, mother of Seraphine and Aeloria.
Selene maintained her stoic and apathetic expression, but inside, her gut twisted with dissatisfaction.
"The mages are the largest producers of refined magic stones. If our alliance with them destabilizes, entire sectors will be impacted: lighting, transportation, commerce. Are you truly willing to risk the collapse of our infrastructure over one man?" said Caim Vanadius Bellator, a tall, youthful man with blond hair, pale skin, and striking green eyes, his sculpted physique drawing attention wherever he went.
The queen fixed him with a gaze as cold as winter. "Glenn is not 'just a man.' He is an Awakened with three affinities, something never seen before. Giving in to the mages' demands would be tantamount to handing him over as a lab rat. Do you truly find that acceptable? Would you want your own sons and daughters treated this way if they were in his position?"
"No one is suggesting he be treated like an animal, Your Majesty. But you must understand that your reluctance to make a decision is creating a crisis. If you don't admit there's a valid, plausible reason strong enough to deny these requests, no matter how hard you work, everything will go wrong," said Sarin Plumbarius, an elderly man with curly gray hair and a soft yet authoritative voice. His presence carried an eerie aura that screamed danger from all directions. "Whether it's a marriage proposal, a breeding arrangement, or a study of his traits... they're all bad options, but inaction is worse."
Selene felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She knew every word she spoke was being scrutinized, every hesitation interpreted as weakness. But admitting that Glenn was her Royal Consort? That could increase the pressure on him—and the kingdom—even further. Yet continuing to deny it would only fuel the dissatisfaction of the families and other races.