The tension inside the grand council chamber was so thick, one could slice it with a dagger.
King Soris sat on his throne, eyes narrowed into a death glare fixed directly at Sir Juno. The room full of nobles and officials remained silent, holding their breath. Everyone knew King Soris wasn't the type to accept refusal from anyone—least of all a knight as decorated and loyal as Sir Juno.
Until today, Juno had never disobeyed the King's commands.
And that made everyone even more uneasy.
Even Archmage Mandira, seated just a few steps away, turned her head slowly to study Juno. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a strange flicker in her eyes—doubt? Surprise?
Juno stood firm, but the tension in his jaw betrayed his anger.
"My sword," he muttered, "and I, have nothing to do with this man, this… Shennong."
He turned his glare toward Mandira now.
