Chapter8: Wise Counsel

Maerilee Not an hour later, I watch as the council members file into the chamber, the tension from earlier still lingering in the air. I take my place beside my mother as she stands at the head of the long table. Father is seated next to her, his expression nearly unreadable to others, though I can still see the faint humor in his eyes. My gaze sweeps over the gathered advisors, familiar faces who have been part of the council for as long as I can remember. Then, a man I don’t recognize catches my eye. He’s tall, his presence quietly commanding, though he doesn’t seem to be trying to draw attention to himself. His hair is dark, falling just past his shoulders, and even from this distance, there’s something unsettling about his eyes. Who is he? Before I can ask, my mother speaks. “Before we begin,” she addresses them, her calm voice commanding the assembly. “We have a new member of the council I’d like to introduce.” I sit up straighter, curiosity piqued. I glance at the unfamiliar man