Chapter 20 The Web Of Alliances

The council session had ended, but the weight of Ariella’s words still lingered in the air like smoke, refusing to dissipate. As she and her companions exited the grand hall, the heavy doors closing behind them, a tense silence descended over the group. The hard-fought victory in the mountains had brought them to this moment, but now, the real battle was beginning. Ariella’s mind raced as she walked through the palace corridors. The council’s cold reception had not been unexpected, but it was still disheartening. Lord Varek’s words had stung, and she knew he wasn’t alone in his skepticism. There were powerful figures in the kingdom who would challenge her, who would try to undermine her claim to leadership, and worse, there were factions who would take advantage of the current unrest to further their own agendas.