Chapter 110 Overindulgence
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
“I believe Elder Lucius is correct, Elder Eric,” my father stated with an air of calm authority. His gaze, steady and piercing, locked onto the bald old man. “With a dangerous enemy before us, our priority should be clear, shouldn’t it?”
Most reasonable individuals would have understood the unspoken command to let the matter drop. Yet Eric, with his inflated sense of self–importance, was not one to follow the flow.
Eric’s reaction was immediate and dramatic, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. His face reddened with indignation as he raised his voice, “There is no such thing as a trivial matter in state affairs, Your Majesty! A simple seat may seem insignificant, but it represents the dignity of the royal family and the nobility.
“Of course, I recognize that interrogating the witch is important, but she’s not going anywhere. Surely this pitiful intruder can wait a little longer to consider how she will beg for our mercy. However, the issue of Miss Thelma’s position cannot be delayed any further.”
He turned abruptly toward my mother, his voice dripping with condescension. “Forgive me for my directness, Your Majesty, but Miss Thelma, as your relative, lacks even a formal noble title. She is, at best, the daughter of nobility.
“You are a kind and virtuous Queen, and I respect that. But your overt indulgence of Miss Thelma is unbecoming of your station. Such favoritism sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the integrity of the Lycan King’s rule!”
My temper flared at his audacity. How dare he insult my mother, our Queen, with such blatant disrespect? Unable to remain silent, I rose from my seat, my voice ringing out with fury. “How dare you! Who do you think you are to criticize the great Queen? You dare insult my mother in this hall? You’re nothing but an overzealous politician!”
My mother placed a calming hand on my arm, her composure unshaken despite the insult.” Thelma, sit down,” she said gently but firmly. “Do not let anger consume you, Remember your decorum. Elder Eric may have misspoken, but I am sure he will provide a reasonable explanation for his words.”
The room was silent, save for the sound of my father rising from his throne. His expression, usually calin and benevolent, had darkened. His eyes burned with restrained fury as he
addressed Eric.
“It seems, Eric, that you are unusually agitated today,” my father said, his tone icy and deliberate. He didn’t even bother to address him by his title. “Your agitation has led you to
commit a grave offense–one of disrespecting the Queen.”
Eric’s arrogance, however, was boundless. “Am I wrong, Your Majesty?” he retorted. “You
must not allow favoritism to cloud your judgment. Even a king must maintain fairness and justice in all matters! I speak only as a loyal subject offering honest advice.”
“Enough!”
my
father thundered, the power in his voice causing even the bravest in the room to flinch. He gestured to the guards stationed nearby. “Escort Elder Eric out of this hall. He is clearly unwell and in need of rest.”
The command stunned everyone. Dismissal from the Council of Elders, even temporarily, was a rare and serious matter. Eric’s eyes widened in disbelief as two guards approached him.
“Your Majesty, this is outrageous!” Eric shouted, his voice rising in desperation. He struggled against the guards‘ firm grip. “You cannot unilaterally remove an elder! Only the Council of Elders has the authority to determine my status. This is a breach of power, a violation of protocol!”
But my
father was unmoved. “I do not dismiss you permanently, Eric,” he said, his tone sharp. “I merely relieve you of your duties until your health improves. The pack values its loyal servants, but we cannot burden the unwell with the responsibilities of leadership. Go home,
rest, and reflect on your conduct.”
Eric’s protests continued as he was dragged from the hall, but my father’s attention had already shifted away. The elder’s departure was met with silence from the rest of the council. None dared to defend him, lest they risk sharing his fate.
My father’s gaze swept over the remaining elders, his expression calm once more. “I trust there are no objections to this decision?”
The council members, heads bowed in submission, murmured their agreement. No one was willing to challenge the king’s authority, especially not after witnessing Eric’s downfall.
“Good,” my father said with an air of finality. “I hope Eric finds clarity during his respite. Let us now turn our attention back to matters of importance.”
Elder Lucius, the bearded man who had earlier tried to diffuse the tension, stepped forward to address the room. “Your Majesties, I must apologize on behalf of Elder Eric. His devotion to duty often makes him… overly passionate. It seems his health has suffered as a result, clouding his judgment.”
Lucius paused, his tone softening as he added, “I assure you, Your Majesties, that the council deeply respects your leadership. We remain committed to upholding the values of our kingdom.”
My mother inclined her head graciously. “We appreciate your understanding, Elder Lucius. Let us all hope for Elder Eric’s swift recovery.
As the council began to refocus on the witch’s interrogation, I couldn’t help but reflect on what had just occurred. Eric’s outburst and subsequent removal were a stark reminder of the delicate balance of power in the kingdom. Even those who considered themselves untouchable could be brought low when they overstepped their bounds.
Chapter in dvedujenice
In the end, my father’s unwavering resolve had restored order to the hall. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this confrontation was merely the beginning of a deeper conflict within the council. The elders may have fallen silent, but their true thoughts and allegiances remained hidden, waiting for the right moment to resurface.
As I sat beside my parents, I resolved to remain vigilant. The political games in this hall were just as dangerous as any battle, and the stakes were no less dire. In this war of words and
power, survival would depend on cunning, strength, and an unyielding will.
Clapper 111 The Ged:
