Elara blinked a few times, as if confused by the interruption. Then she smiled brightly.
"Of course, Lord Ashencroft, but the king must talk to him. Don't you think?"
The question was innocent enough, but it landed like a gauntlet thrown. The princess's hands still hadn't released Arthur's.
Tension crackled between Sauron and Elara. Arthur could practically see the calculations running behind Sauron's eyes—how to oppose royalty without appearing treasonous.
"With all due respect, Your Highness," Sauron pressed, "tradition dictates that new manifestations undergo evaluation by the Four Houses before royal audience."
"Tradition?" Elara's nose wrinkled. "But manifestations are so rare... is there really a tradition?"
Sauron's jaw tightened. "There are protocols—"
"I believe that Her Highness speaks with the authority of the crown." General Draketower interrupted.
Sauron's head snapped toward the general, annoyance flashing in his eyes.
