The council erupted. Vael's head snapped up towards his uncle. Lucious watched everyone, expression calm and patient.
"The wedding?"
"Isn't that like three weeks away?"
Theon started to speak. "Patriarch, the wedding is no longer a meeting for the council but a matter between me, the Luna, and the families of House Vaeroth. Your concern—"
"My concern is for the integrity of the House."
"We have a more pressing matter. The Rogue threat—"
Lucious cuts in. "The Rogue threat is a symptom of a larger problem. A House divided against itself cannot stand against external threats. And make no mistake, Beta, I don't want House Vaeroth divided."
The council had gone silent again, their earlier debate forgotten as they watched the exchange between Beta and Patriarch.
"Patriarch, why do you have to ask for the wedding to be called off?" Elder Jose asked.
Lucious continued. "The question should be whether the Alpha has the wisdom and the courage to address it."
