The heavy doors of the council chamber opened with a low rumble.
King Astarion strode in confidently, his dark cloak trailing lightly on the stone floor. His gaze swept around the room...then slowed.
He immediately recognized Eiden, straight and impassive.
Then Axel, calm but vigilant.
And finally…
His gaze stopped abruptly.
In the center.
"…I see," he said with an ironic half-smile.
—The lords therefore did not see fit to travel themselves.
— They sent their representative.
A heavy silence settled.
The figure from behind, in the center, chuckled softly... then turned around.
"That would have been impossible, Your Majesty," Asher said with cutting calm before taking his seat.
— You know very well that your representative is precisely the reason for this meeting.
Astarion narrowed his eyes... then stepped forward before taking a seat in front of him.
- Alright.
— Let's abbreviate.
"I assume you want to talk about what Alastor did.
"But let's not forget one detail," he added with a challenging smile:
—Your dear Queen Morena was the mastermind of this whole affair.
Asher let out a slight laugh.
— Don't worry about that.
— Morena has been removed from office.
Astarion's smile froze.
- Oh ?
—And what do you want from me then?
— That I also deprive Prince Alastor of his right as heir?
"That's up to you," Asher said calmly.
—Especially since he owes us compensation.
- Repair ?
Astarion raised an eyebrow.
— It was Morena who gave the orders.
"My son only executed... with our soldiers, not yours.
—So it would be logical for her to compensate us, right?
Asher's gaze darkened.
— I believe that the rape of Morena,
— committed by your son,
— in this same room, supposed to be a place of diplomacy,
— changes the situation slightly.
His voice rose, icy.
Astarion's eyes widened.
—...What did he do?
"So you don't know about your son's latest exploit," Eiden said evenly.
The king slowly lowered his head, struck hard.
"I'm sorry to break it to you like that," Asher said.
—But Alastor's crimes have gone too far.
— His obsession with Morena led him to lose everything.
He paused.
— However... we decided to give him a gift.
— Morena will be given to him in marriage.
Astarion raised his head, wary.
"Don't get me wrong," Eiden said calmly.
—We want peace.
— With the threat of Fishlegs, a war between clans would be suicidal.
"Exactly," added Axel.
—And this union could calm everything down.
— What do you mean? Astarion asked.
Axel stood up.
— This will cleanse Morena's honor and repair the affront to the wizarding people.
— My father and my people will finally turn the page.
— The hunters will follow if Eiden and Asher plead on your behalf.
—And me too.
A long silence.
Then Astarion slowly stood up.
- Alright.
— I accept.
— I will comply.
He left the room without a backward glance.