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The rhythmic sound of horse hooves echoed through the cobblestone streets as we made our way towards the Royal Palace. Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was tense, yet focused. Elysia and I exchanged a few words, both deep in thought, each contemplating the gravity of the upcoming meeting.

The city of Kaitoria bustled with activity as we passed through. Merchants peddled their wares, citizens went about their daily routines, and guards patrolled the streets with watchful eyes. The palace loomed ahead, a majestic structure of imposing towers and elegant architecture symbolizing the kingdom's power and history.

As we approached the palace gates, the guards immediately recognized our carriage and allowed us entry. The carriage came to a halt in the grand courtyard, where attendants swiftly opened the doors and helped us down.

"Welcome, Lady Elysia, Lord Samael," one of the royal attendants greeted us with a bow. "This way, please."

Mother's whole demeanor turned to a cold countenance, a mask of regal authority that matched the imposing walls of the palace. I followed her lead, adopting a composed and resolute expression.

On the way to the throne room, whoever saw Mother bowed in her direction no matter their status or rank. It was a testament to the respect and fear she commanded within the palace walls. We navigated the labyrinthine corridors with practiced ease, the grandeur of the palace doing little to alleviate the tension simmering just beneath the surface.

Finally, we reached the grand double doors of the throne room. The guards stationed there nodded and pushed them open, revealing the vast expanse of the room beyond.

King Cedric Blackthorn sat on his throne, a figure of authority draped in rich fabrics and adorned with the crown that symbolized his rule. The room was filled with high-ranking nobles and advisors, their conversations hushed as we entered. The king's piercing gaze fixed on us, scrutinizing our every move.

I saw Lady Eveline Clearwater sitting among them giving a subtle wave and a nod in our direction. She was a figure of calm and elegance, her demeanor composed amidst the tension filling the room. Her presence reminded me of the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that defined the kingdom's political landscape.

"Ah! Lady Elysia, you came at last," King Cedric said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "And you? I didn't catch your name." An indirect way of addressing me, an indication that my presence was noteworthy yet not fully acknowledged.

"I haven't introduced myself yet..." I said with a slight bow. "I am Samael Ashwood, Lord of the Ashwood family. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you, Your Majesty."

"Lord of Ashwood family... what happened to your father?" King Cedric's inquiry was direct, and his gaze was sharp. The question hung in the air, a reminder of the complex dynamics and past grievances that colored our interactions.

"The previous Lord Ashwood is proved to be unfit for the title and has been deposed," I replied calmly. "My mother now leads the Ashwood family, and I assist in managing our affairs and ensuring the stability of our house."

"So... this is where the Ashwood family stands now," King Cedric mused, his expression unreadable. "And you, Lord Samael, have taken on a significant role. It seems the recent upheavals have shifted more than just the balance of power."

"Anyway, Take your seats, we are going to start the meeting," King Cedric continued, gesturing toward the seats arranged in a semi-circle before the throne. His tone was both commanding and dismissive, underscoring the formal nature of the proceedings.

Mother and I took our seats, with Elysia seated to my left and I positioned to her right. The rest of the nobles and advisors settled into their own places, each one maintaining an air of quiet anticipation. The atmosphere in the room shifted, the focus now entirely on the matters to be discussed.

King Cedric leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping across the assembly. "Let us begin. We are here to address the recent developments and internal rifts between the noble houses that have threatened the stability of our kingdom. I trust each of you has come prepared with insights and proposals to remedy the situation."

The room fell silent as each noble and advisor shifted their attention to the king, ready to contribute to the discussion. I noticed Lady Eveline Clearwater shifting slightly in her seat, her poised demeanor reflecting her role as an influential figure in the court. Her presence seemed to subtly influence the mood of the room, adding a layer of intrigue to the proceedings.

King Cedric continued, his tone authoritative. "Our first order of business is to address the recent hostilities between the Ashwood family and the Rutherford family. I have received reports of increasing tensions and clashes between the two houses. Lord Samael, would you care to provide us with your perspective on the matter?"

I took a moment to gather my thoughts before speaking. "Your Majesty, the conflict with the Rutherford family has its roots in longstanding grievances and recent provocations. The Rutherford family has made several aggressive moves against our interests, including the sabotage of our trade routes and attempts to undermine our position within the council."

"What is there to undermine? If not for Lady Elysia being such a formidable force, the Ashwoods would have already been outmaneuvered," a voice from the council interjected, dripping with condescension. It was Lord Garrick Rutherford, the head of the Rutherford family and a man known for his arrogance and contentious nature.

"Talk like that again to my son and see where your head flies," Mother's voice cut through the room with an edge of menace. Her eyes locked onto Lord Garrick, her gaze cold and unwavering.

"THIS IS A MEETING OF THE COURT, NOT A BRAWL!" King Cedric's voice boomed, echoing through the room. His authority was absolute, and the sudden outburst silenced the room immediately. The nobles shifted uncomfortably, their previous tensions momentarily eclipsed by the king's formidable presence.

Lord Garrick straightened, clearly aware of his misstep. "My apologies, Your Majesty. I was merely responding to the situation as I see it."

Everyone looked at Mother hoping to see her apologize to King Cedric, but she remained silent, her expression unyielding. The room was thick with an unspoken tension as the nobles awaited her response.

King Cedric cleared his throat, regaining control of the meeting. "Lady Elysia, if you would, please continue. How do you propose to address the grievances between the Ashwoods and the Rutherfords?"

Mother's gaze was icy as she looked around the room before speaking. "Our family has been more than accommodating in our attempts to resolve these issues diplomatically. However, the Rutherford family's actions have left us with little choice but to take a firm stance. We propose a formal negotiation to address these grievances and establish clear terms for the future.

Both sides must come to an agreement that ensures mutual respect and stability."

"Preposterous! My mighty and great duke house mingling with a mere count, and my pride as a lord being sullied by petty negotiations!" Lord Garrick's voice was laced with contempt. "Such humiliating terms will not bind the Rutherford family."

"Lord Garrick," King Cedric said sharply, his patience visibly wearing thin. "If you continue to undermine the discussions, I will be forced to take measures to ensure that the meeting proceeds without further interruptions."

Lord Garrick fell silent, his face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. The room remained tense, the air heavy with the weight of unresolved conflict.

King Cedric turned his attention back to Mother. "Lady Elysia, you may proceed. If you have any specific proposals for these negotiations, I would appreciate hearing them."

A cruel smile made its way to Mother's lips, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Thank you, Your Majesty. We propose the establishment of a neutral arbitration committee composed of representatives from both houses, along with a third-party mediator selected by the crown. This committee will oversee the negotiations and ensure that all grievances are addressed fairly."

King Cedric's gaze remained steady, his expression thoughtful. "And what if the Rutherford family refuses to participate or abide by the terms of this arbitration?"

"Oh~ I would like to see that happen, It's been some time since my sword tasted the flesh of a stubborn fool," Mother said with an edge of menace. Her voice carried a hint of dark satisfaction, reflecting the dangerous resolve she had always harbored.

"See Your Majesty, she is threatening a lord of duke's house in front of the entire court," Lord Garrick's voice trembled with indignation. "This is an abuse of power and a violation of the respect that is due to the nobility."

King Cedric's gaze hardened, his patience clearly fraying. "Lady Elysia, while I understand your frustration, threats, and intimidation will not resolve this matter. We must maintain the integrity of our institutions and the respect due to all members of the court."

Mother's expression remained unyielding, but she held her tongue. I could see the internal struggle in her eyes, a fierce desire to defend her family clashing with the need to navigate the intricacies of court politics.

I decided to interject, sensing that the discussion could quickly spiral out of control. "Your Majesty, if I may offer a perspective. The proposal for a neutral arbitration committee is a step toward finding a solution that can benefit all parties involved. It ensures that grievances are addressed in a fair and orderly manner.

However, if the Rutherford family refuses to participate, it would only highlight their unwillingness to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means."

King Cedric considered my words, his gaze shifting between Mother and me. After a moment, he spoke, his tone firm but measured. "Very well. We shall proceed with the establishment of the arbitration committee as proposed by Lady Elysia. I will appoint a mediator from among the crown's trusted advisors to oversee the process.

Lord Garrick, you are to inform the Rutherford family of this decision and prepare them for the negotiations."

Lord Garrick's face was a mix of fury and grudging acceptance. He gave a curt nod, though his displeasure was evident. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

"Now, let us move on to other matters," King Cedric continued, shifting the focus of the meeting. The discussion gradually moved to other pressing issues, but the tension between the Ashwoods and the Rutherfords remained palpable.

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[To Be Continued]

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