The solid oak doors of the council chamber swung shut behind Charlotte with a decisive click that echoed down the deserted corridor. The usual hum of quiet conversation was gone, replaced by an eerie silence as if the very walls were bracing themselves for what was to come.
Charlotte's steps were light, but her mind raced.
Mira fell into step beside her, as serene as ever, a faint flicker of a smile softening her usual grim mask.
Mira (signed): "You caught them off guard. Few would have taken that chance."
Charlotte shot a sidelong glance at her, a smile playing on her lips.
Charlotte: "Sometimes you need to take them by surprise. Keeps them on their toes."
They strolled toward the solar, where Elias stood, leaning against the thick stone mantle, arms folded, his eyes fixed on the dancing flames as if searching for answers in the flicker.
Elias's gaze lifted as they entered.
Elias: "The cake was… surprising." His voice was low but carried a hint of admiration.
Charlotte smirked, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
Charlotte: "It was more cake than anything else. A statement. I'm tired of being contained by old ways. If we want change, we start small. We make them taste it."
Elias stepped closer, his eyes narrowing.
Elias: "Change belongs to those who weather the storm. The factions are far from calm. House Vellador is licking their wounds—but they should not be underestimated."
Mira signed rapidly.
Mira:"And the conservatives are closing ranks. They won't give up easily."
Charlotte's expression darkened.
Charlotte: "Then we'll show them we do not fear the storm—we are the storm."
Elias nodded slowly.
Elias: "Be careful, Charlotte. Power burns as much as it lights."
Her gaze met his, steady and resolute.
Charlotte: "Then I'll learn to wield the fire without being burned."
A deliberate silence fell, broken only by the crackling of the hearth.
Mira signed again.
Mira:"There's something else."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow.
Mira:"Eladin was seeking you earlier. He's agitated."
Charlotte's lips pressed thin. Her little brother—innocent to most, yet caught in the crossfire of court politics. Protecting him was her fiercest battle.
Charlotte: "Bring him to me. I must remind him why we fight—not for crowns, but for family."
The three exchanged a silent understanding—a quiet pact.
Outside, the sun sank low, casting long shadows across the capital. The game had shifted, but the players endured.
And Charlotte? She was ready to play.