“Yeah. I’m aware,” I declared calmly. “He’s playing games with me.”

“Of course he is, your Majesty,” his voice replied. “He would never allow you to take control of a matter this sensitive the moment you become a Councilor especially when he knows you are after that very position.”

“That’s exactly my thought as well,” I said after a brief pause. “But he will never win.”

Silence settled between us, thick and heavy, the kind that carried unspoken strategies and quiet resolve.

Council Royal POV

“He believes he is clever,” I said slowly, lifting my glass of wine and watching the dark liquid swirl. “Yet he is unknowingly walking straight...