The doors of the King’s council chamber slammed open.
He looked up, alone now—the ministers had left. He had dismissed them early. He expected her.
But not like this.
Elira strode in, her steps hard against the marble floor, her crown askew, her silks wrinkled as though she’d torn them on her way.
Queen Elira
“You humiliated me,” she spat, voice trembling with rage.
He didn’t rise. Didn’t flinch. Just regarded her with that maddening calm.
King Vaeron
“In what way this time?” he said dryly.
Queen Elira
“In what way?” she repeated, incredulous. “You presented her through court like a queen. You introduced to nobles as if she holds *power*. You gave her your son’s name.”
He stood now—slowly, like a storm gathering form.
King Vaeron
“He is MY son.”
The words landed like thunder between them.
Elira went still. Her breath caught—just for a second.
But she didn’t retreat.
Queen Elira
“You disgrace your brother’s memory. You disgrace this throne. You disgrace me.”
King Vaeron
He stepped forward, voice low. “Don’t speak to me of disgrace. I have watched you poison this palace with smiles and whispers since the day I put that crown on your head.”
Queen Elira
“You gave me this crown when you took his life!” she hissed.
Silence.
A darker look passed between them now—one that dug into old wounds. And neither denied it.
Queen Elira
She laughed bitterly. “You killed him for her, didn’t you? Not for the throne. Not for the realm. Just for HER”
He didn’t deny that either.
Queen Elira
“She was never meant to be yours,” Elira snapped. “She is your niece. Your brother’s daughter. The court will eat you alive—”
King Vaeron
“I AM the court,” he cut in. “They kneel because I allow it.”
Queen Elira
“And when you fall?” Her voice rose, shrill with rage and pain. “When the nobles turn? When your beloved Lysara starts to see the truth, tries to get revenge—what then?”
He stared at her, voice deathly cold.
King Vaeron
“Then I will remind them why kings are feared.”
She stared at him, hatred roiling in her eyes.
Queen Elira
“You made a mockery of this throne,” she whispered.
King Vaeron
“And you,” he said, turning away, “made a mockery of a queen.”
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