Royal Ascension: TheLady's rebirth

SIERRA

The atmosphere in the council chamber had shifted. Gone was the casual chatter, replaced with the tense silence that only the presence of the royal family could create. All eyes were now on me, but it felt as though they were watching a wolf to show its true teeth.

The weight of their expectations was crushing. They knew who Angelica D'Alathra was. They knew what she had done but more importantly, what she was about to do.

I clenched my fists under the table, trying to suppress the unease clawing at my insides. I had to play my part. I had to survive.

The prince was still seated at the head of the table, his icy blue eyes sweeping over the gathered nobles. His presence alone was enough to silence the room. I could feel the coldness radiating from him, even from my position beside him. If he was annoyed with me before, he showed no sign of it now. His expression remained unreadable, but his sharp gaze never left me.

I knew this was a test. He was sizing me up, probing me for weaknesses.

"So," Lord Dorian's voice rang out, slicing through the quiet. His eyes glinted with barely disguised malice. "Lady Angelica, perhaps you would enlighten us on your stance regarding the upcoming treaty with the Kingdom of Edomir?"

My breath caught in my throat. The treaty. This was something I had read about in the story—the catalyst for Angelica's eventual downfall. She had been naive, too eager to secure power, and her involvement in the treaty had led to her demise.

I glanced at Prince Alistair out of the corner of my eye, trying to gauge his reaction. He wasn't looking at me now, his attention focused entirely on Lord Dorian. But I could feel the weight of his presence beside me, like a silent reminder that my every move mattered.

"Lady Angelica?" Lord Dorian pressed, his tone dripping with mockery.

I straightened in my chair, forcing my thoughts into focus. I couldn't let my fear show. I couldn't back down.

"The treaty," I said, my voice steady but cold, "is of utmost importance to the kingdom. However, the terms must be reevaluated. The Kingdom of Edomir is an unreliable partner. We cannot afford to risk the stability of our nation for the sake of a mere promise."

I kept my gaze fixed on Lord Dorian, not daring to look at the prince. I knew the story—Angelica had been manipulated into making a hasty decision on this treaty, a decision that had almost plunged the entire kingdom into war. I had to be different. I had to make them see I wasn't the fool they expected me to be.

"And what of the prince's stance on this matter?" Lord Dorian asked, his voice laced with subtle venom. "Surely, his opinion matters more than that of a mere lady."

The room shifted. Every noble turned their eyes to the prince, waiting for his reaction.

Alistair didn't flinch. He was always composed, always in control. He finally turned his gaze to Lord Dorian, his eyes dark and unreadable. For a long moment, there was silence. Then, in a voice that was soft but laden with authority, he spoke.

"The princess is correct," he said, his words cutting through the tension like a blade. "The treaty must be handled with care. But we cannot afford to underestimate the Kingdom of Edomir's strategic importance. This isn't just about politics. This is about power."

A murmur rippled through the room, but the prince raised his hand, silencing them.

"The council will convene in one week to discuss the treaty further. In the meantime, Lady Angelica will be tasked with gathering information from the other houses. Her insights will be invaluable."

I froze. The weight of his words hit me like a hammer. I would be tasked with this? But why? Why me? Was this part of the game? Was this my chance to prove myself, to take control of my own fate?

But before I could collect my thoughts, another voice broke through the murmur of the nobles.

"I'm afraid I must disagree with the prince."

The voice was deep and rich with an edge of authority, and I didn't have to look up to know who it was. The adviser—the one who had warned me earlier. His presence was undeniable, and as he stepped forward, every eye in the room followed him.

"I believe Lady Angelica's involvement in this matter could be... detrimental to the interests of the crown," he continued, his gaze never leaving mine. "Her... history speaks for itself."

My heart skipped a beat. His words were an accusation, and they sent a chill down my spine. His eyes locked onto mine, cold and calculating.

I wanted to speak, to defend myself, but I couldn't find the words. It was like his presence alone was enough to paralyze me.

Prince Alistair remained silent, his expression unreadable. Was he going to defend me? Or was he going to let me fall into the same trap as before?

The adviser took a step closer, his dark eyes narrowing. "I would suggest, Your Highness, that Lady Angelica's role be reconsidered. Perhaps... another will take charge of the matter."

A shiver ran down my spine. The room felt suddenly colder, and the weight of his gaze intensified.

I couldn't breathe. I couldn't move.

I could feel the tension mounting, the air thick with the promise of something dangerous. The game was just beginning, and I wasn't sure if I could win.

But then, before anyone could speak again, the doors to the council chamber flew open with a violent crash, and a figure stepped inside.

A figure I didn't recognize.

But the look on the prince's face told me everything I needed to know.

And that look... that look was utter fear.