At the palace, the Chiefs and required members of the royal family, excluding the general, the second princess, and the King’s mother, had assembled in the throne room. They waited impatiently for the arrival of the ever-underrated Scarecrow King.

Believing the meeting would be like any other, most had begun grumbling about the King’s tardiness. The atmosphere grew tense, even as the Queen attempted to distract them with small talk and pleasantries.

Her efforts produced little result. Instead, they gave the Chiefs an opportunity to politely mock her attempts. They were about to take their remarks further when the guards announced the King’s arrival.

Most bowed respectfully upon seeing him....