Free Web NovelChapter 501: Chapter 501
Soon, the throne room fell silent again as Nheera entered, flanked by two guards. Sunlight filtered through the high windows, catching on the golden threads of her gown. The courtiers had already assembled and they all bowed as one when she took her seat on the throne.
Nheera let the quiet stretch for a moment. She studied their faces, noting that some were etched with genuine concern, while others were carefully blank.
"We gather under heavy circumstances. In the days since the king’s passing, our capital has bled. Homes burned in the night. Merchants have faced incredible losses." She began, her voice carrying clearly across the hall. "Families torn apart by violence that has crept far too close to these walls. Yesterday’s attack claimed three more lives. It is here among us, growing worse by the day."
A low murmur rippled through the room. Nheera raised her hand, and it died away. freёwebnoѵel.com
"I will not speak in pretty words while our people suffer. The rebels grow bolder with every passing hour. They believe we are weak in our time of mourning. They believe the kingdom is adrift just because the king’s throne sits empty. We cannot prove them right." She said. "Tradition demands we observe the full period of grief. I respect that law. But the safety of Lamorians should be our priority. We must act with wisdom."
Lord Varen, an older noble known for his peaceful ways, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, what measures do you propose? The soldiers patrols the streets already, but the attacks still continue."
Nheera nodded, as if she had expected the question.
"Patrols alone are not enough. We need unified command and decisive authority. As regent, I will not leave the defense of this city to scattered efforts. I propose to appoint someone to properly see to the crisis. A person to coordinate the generals, secure the treasury for necessary supplies, and root out those who aid the rebels from within our own ranks."
Several heads turned toward Prince Hairan, who had climbed up the dais to stand at his mother’s side.
"This Protector will answer to the court and to me," she continued. "His powers will last only for the duration of this emergency. Once the threat is crushed, he will lay them down. But for now, we need strength. We need someone the soldiers will follow without hesitation, someone who carries the blood of kings."
A lord near the front cleared his throat. "Prince Hairan has served with distinction in the border campaigns. The men respect him."
More nods followed. Nheera watched the shift in the room, the way uncertainty gave way to reluctant agreement. A few faces remained disapproving, but none spoke against the proposal outright.
She continued. "I ask the court to reconvene tomorrow. We will hear from everyone that has something to say before we will decide. The people look to us for protection. Let us not fail them."
Hairan approached the throne and bowed low.
"You handled them well, Mother," he said quietly, his words meant just for her.
She kept her expression neutral for any watching eyes. "It is only the beginning. See that your commanders are ready. By week’s weekend, the title must be yours."
Nheera allowed herself a small, private satisfaction. The pieces moved exactly as she had planned.
Lord Varen lingered after his earlier question, as if weighing whether to push further. He glanced at the other nobles before speaking again, his voice carrying across the hushed hall. "Your Majesty, before we adjourn, many of us have heard troubling rumors about Prince Azul. Word has spread through the city. The people are asking what truly happened at his residence. For the sake of clarity and to reassure the court, would you address it directly?"
Nheera’s expression remained composed, though her fingers tightened briefly on the throne’s armrest.
The leak had reached the public faster than her agents could staunch it, and now it intruded here, in the one place she needed control.
She inclined her head as she prepared to say the very words she had rehearsed for this occasion.
"Prince Azul suffered a regrettable accident. He fell and sustained injuries, but the physicians attending to him have reported that he is making steady progress. My son is on his way to a full recovery. We are grateful for the swift response of his guards that night and we ask the court to focus on matters pertaining to the kingdom’s welfare, rather than speculation."
A younger lord with ties to the eastern provinces, stepped forward next. "An accident, then. But in these troubled times, one must wonder if the rebels had any hand in it. An attack on the royal family would serve their purpose well."
"The incident was not the work of rebels," Nheera said firmly, her gaze steady on him. "It was a private mishap, nothing more. We will not grant our enemies credit for every misfortune that befalls us. Prince Azul’s condition has no bearing on the threats we face from within the city."
She made a small gesture with her hand, signaling that the matter was closed. The assembly began to shift as lords exchanged glances with each other as they prepared to leave.
Lord Tomar’s voice rang out, halting them.
He had remained near the back until now, his face a mask of false concern. "A terrible misfortune indeed, Your Majesty. Prince Azul has always been so vigorous in all he does. To think such a capable man could be laid low by a simple slip after too much drink. My thoughts are with him and with the entire family in this difficult time. May he regain his strength swiftly, for the good of us all."
The words were meant to sound sympathetic, yet the faint curl at the corner of Falein’s’s mouth said otherwise. "We will all pray for the prince’s recovery. After all, good things are bound to happen to good people and Prince Azul, as we all know, is one of the best."
Several lords nearby shifted uncomfortably, recognizing the subtle derision beneath the polite veneer. Nheera met Tomar’s eyes for a long moment, her face betraying nothing.
"The crown thanks you for your concern, Lord Tomar," she replied, her voice cool. "We will reconvene tomorrow. Until then, see to your duties."
With that, she rose from the throne. The court bowed as one, and Nheera swept from the hall with Hairan close behind her. The echo of their footsteps faded, leaving the assembled nobles to disperse.
Hairan followed closely behind his mother as they left the throne room, his displeasure palpable between them.
"That fool Tomar was mocking us in there, and you did nothing to punish him. You simply allowed it," Hairan griped bitterly. "How are the nobles supposed to respect us if they know they can disrespect us without consequence?"
"Lord Tomar should be the least of your concerns. Your entire focus should be on ascending your father’s throne," Nheera replied without slowing her steps. "A true king does not concern himself with the musings of those far beneath him. And if Lord Tomar still proves troublesome once you are king, then you may deal with him however you wish.."
