Chapter 201

CHAPTER 43… ANDRES The first lord did not arrive with soldiers. He arrived with lawyers, relics, and a smile sharpened by centuries of entitlement. I watched him step into the border as if he owned the stone beneath his feet, his cloak pristine despite the long road, his sigil displayed openly— House Varrek, one of the oldest bloodlines to survive the Veil’s fracture. A family that had never forgiven the crown for surviving without them. “King Andres,” he said, inclining his head just enough to be insulting. “You move quickly for a man who claims restraint.” I did not rise from the chair. That was deliberate. “You crossed into crown territory without summons,” I replied calmly. “You have one opportunity to explain why I shouldn’t have you escorted back across the border in chains.” His smile tightened, but did not vanish. “Because that would confirm every fear currently spreading through the kingdoms.” “Fear spreads whether I confirm it or not,” I said. “Speak.” He gestured, and one of