"Of the fifteen Great Houses and Clans, only seven are willing to submit under your rule and swear their allegiance. The rest defy your orders."
Inside a grand chamber, Elder Rysten muttered, his figure locked in a bow. One knee bent as he relayed the news to the black-robed youth seated on the throne.
Pausing for a moment, his eyes darted slightly before he continued, his voice tinged with concern.
"News is spreading that those who have expressed their defiance are forming a coalition to kill you and end your rule."
As he finished, all the other elders shifted their attention to the seated figure. A heavy silence descended, lingering for a while.
Before the youth in question broke it.
"So that's how it is, huh? Interesting," Ulric muttered.
Leaning against the armrest of the throne, a bored expression rested on his face as he idly played with a ball of green light in his palm, watching it with curiosity.
