Page 8

I lean forward slightly, my hands gripping the edge of the chair as my words spill out in a rush.

“I can’t fully explain it, but it’s not just about him.

It’s this bond, this connection, that I can’t break, no matter how hard I try.

” The room falls into a deep silence. I can almost hear the thoughts churning behind the Council’s unreadable expressions.

After a long moment, one of them finally speaks, their voice detached yet sharp, carrying the weight of scrutiny.

“Do you believe this ‘bond’ is something you can control?” they ask, their gaze focused intently on me.

“Or is it something you will let consume you, regardless of the consequences?” Their words envelop me like a heavy blanket, as I await my response.

Rage rises from the pit of my stomach, and frustration bubbles to the surface as I grip the chair tighter, my patience wearing thin.

The cold, calculating questions pierce through me, but I refuse to be swayed.

I lift my chin, my eyes flashing with defiance, and lean forward to meet their gaze head-on.

“Consume me?” I snap, my voice as sharp as a blade, cutting through the tense silence.

“Do you think I’d allow something like this to control my life?

” I take a deep breath, swallowing the knot of anger that is building in my throat.

“No,” I say firmly. “I will not be consumed by this bond. But let me make one thing clear, it isn’t my choice to be drawn to him.

If it weren’t for the ridiculous laws of the treaty, I wouldn’t have needed to go to Lord Kaelen’s castle to apologise for my behaviour.

I never wanted this to happen. The only reason I had to speak to him in the first place was because of the demands you all set in place to maintain peace between our lands.

” I look around the room, meeting each Council member’s gaze.

“If it hadn’t been for that treaty, this bond would never have ignited.

I would have stayed far away from him, just as I had intended. ”

I take another deep breath, attempting to steady myself, but frustration still seeps into my voice.

“I’m not a fool, and I won’t fall victim to whatever ‘forces’ you think are controlling me.

However, I refuse to let you blame me for something I never sought or intended.

I’ve fulfilled my obligations for the treaty, but it’s not my fault that this bond has developed between us. ”

The room falls silent once more. The Council members exchange quick, unreadable glances.

Some appear unsettled by my outburst, while others remain expressionless.

None of them interrupts. Finally, one of the Council members leans forward, his voice low but firm.

“What do you expect from us, Elara? This bond isn’t your choice, this is the treaty’s way of keeping balance. ”

The room descended into stunned silence. The words echoed against the vaulted ceilings, each dripping with de- fiance and exhaustion. The six high Council members ex- changed alarmed glances, momentarily losing their compo- sure.

The eldest Councillor, Tharic, clears his throat, his voice a mix of concern and irritation. “Lady Elara,” he begins slowly, trying to regain control, “this is not a matter for jest. The treaty not only binds you but also affects the stability of our realms.”

My fists clenched, and my chest rose and fell with the heat of my anger.

“Do I look like I’m joking, Tharic?” I snapped, stepping forward.

“I know exactly what this treaty demands. I understand what it means for me. But if the Court of the High Council expects me to fade into the shadows of their magic, at least let me have the satisfaction of knowing that I chose to live before it happens.”

Another Councillor, the stern-faced Lady Adira, narrows her eyes. “Your reckless behaviour last night is unbecoming of your station. You have duties and responsibilities.”

“Don’t lecture me on responsibilities!” I interrupt her, my voice rising. “I have shouldered the burden of this Council’s decisions, fought your wars, and bled for your peace. And now you expect me to surrender the last remnants of my freedom for a treaty you negotiated behind closed doors!”

The room is filled with tension. Even Master Zephyr, the usually silent Councillor, shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

“Last night,” I say, my voice lowering but still intense, “I told stories. I laughed. I felt alive. If the bond consumes me, at least I’ll have that. None of you can take that away from me.”

The High Chancellor, seated at the centre of the semicircle, speaks with a calm yet firm voice. “You misunderstand, Queen Elara. The bond is not merely an obligation but a means of ensuring peace.”

“Peace,” I scoffed, shaking my head. “Peace at the cost of everything I am. Is that what you call justice?”

The High Chancellor sighed, her face a mask of composure. “You have made your point. The arrangements will proceed. But know this: should the bond falter, the consequences will

be yours.”

I glare at her, my defiance unwavering. “Let them come. I’ve

endured worse.” I whirl around and storm out of the chamber, the heavy doors slamming shut behind me.

The silence left in my wake is deafening.

For a fleeting moment, I feel the weight of my choice settle on my shoulders, but I push it aside.

For now, anger and defiance are all that keep me standing.

As the doors close behind me, the chill of the Council chamber gives way to the warm glow of the grand hall.

The only sound is the echo of my boots against the polished stone floor as my mind races with thoughts about the confrontation.