36 - Wage War

**Caelan**

The morning was still cool, a fog clinging to the edges of the castle grounds as I made my way toward the council hall.

My boots echoed through the hallways, a steady reminder of the weight I carried with each step. Today was the day we would meet with the Western King, and the council meeting will be held. 

It was a pivotal moment in my plans, a moment where everything I had carefully orchestrated could either crumble or fall into place. And I wasn’t about to let it crumble. Not when I was so close.

I had spent weeks planting the seeds of doubt in the minds of the other masters and council members, subtly sowing whispers about the dragon, about Drakar and the danger he posed.

It wasn't that they weren't aware of it, it's just that they needed to be reminded, and luckily for them, I was there to fulfil the duty.

The king was not an idiot, but even the wisest of men could be swayed if the right words were planted in their ears. 

The dragon, with his volatile nature and unpredictability, was the perfect target for my manipulation. If I could convince the council that he was a threat, that he could destabilize the alliances we had worked so hard to secure, I would have the king’s ear. And with that, I would have the power I so craved.

As I entered the council room, I was greeted with the usual mix of politeness and wary respect. 

The king sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding yet distant. His eyes were cold, assessing.

I had learned over the years that this was how he maintained control—by keeping everyone just a little off-balance, never letting them get too comfortable. It worked well for him, but not well enough for me.

The other members of the council were already seated, their faces a mixture of intrigue and suspicion. 

I could feel their eyes on me as I took my place at the table, a seat that had been earned, not given. A seat that with Lysandra’s help, I plan to outgrow by limitless bounds.

The air was thick with anticipation, and I allowed myself a small, knowing smile. I had prepared for this moment, and I would make sure the king knew exactly what was at stake.

The meeting began, and the discussions unfolded as expected. Taxes, alliances, military strategy—all the usual matters of state. The king had adjourned all other meetings to take place that day, since it was called at an odd time for everyone.

To the best of my knowledge, the King had summoned all the Sisters, but due to the distance between their marital homes, and the Western city, they weren't able to make it. Except Amelia.

Which was perfect for me, because Lysandra told me they were the closest. Her pathetic emotions would help me win this.

After all other topics had been discussed, I spoke up to make sure the main reason for the meeting isn't slept on.

“Your Majesty,” I began, my voice smooth, deliberate, “there is one matter I believe we have not fully addressed. A matter that could potentially unravel all the work we’ve done in securing our alliances.”

The king’s eyes flicked toward me, and I saw the faintest narrowing of his gaze. He knew I was about to make my move.

“The dragon,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of a thunderclap. “Drakar, to be specific. His unpredictable nature and his ties to... well, let’s just say the more volatile factions, could pose a serious risk to our stability. His actions, his temper—they are not the kind of qualities we need in an ally.”

I allowed the words to hang in the air, the tension thickening. I could see the other council members exchanging glances, their unease growing. I had said just enough, but not too much. I didn’t need to convince them outright. I just needed to plant the idea. The rest would follow naturally.

One of the council members, a tall, thin man with sharp features, leaned forward. “Are you suggesting that the dragon is a threat to the kingdom, Caelan?”

I smiled inwardly. This was exactly the reaction I had been hoping for. 

“I am not suggesting it, Lord Halden,” I replied smoothly. “I am simply stating the facts. Drakar’s temper has been known to cause... issues. And I am still hoping to be able to get my stolen bride from him. As you all know, My Love was kidnapped on the day we were to be united. And we can’t afford to have such instability at this critical juncture. Our alliances are fragile. A single misstep could bring everything crashing down.”

I could see the unease spreading, like a ripple across the surface of a pond. The king remained silent, his gaze unwavering as he considered my words. I could feel the shift in the room, the subtle change in the atmosphere.

I had already planted the idea that Drakar could be a threat, and it was beginning to take root in their minds. And once something took root, it was nearly impossible to uproot.

Lord Halden and the others spoke in my favour, expressing other points and buttressing on the need to get rid of Drakar.

“I think we need to wage war.” General Malik, the 2nd in command to the General 

The king finally spoke, his voice calm, measured. “I have heard all your complaints. But I will need time to ponder this matter. I will announce my decision in three days.”

The dismissal was almost discouraging but I didn’t need more. I had done my part. The rest would fall into place. I stood, then bowed respectfully to the king, before making my way out of the hall.

As I left the hall, a smirk tugged the corner of my lips. Everything was going according to plan. The king would think on it, and in three days, he would make his decision. 

But I knew he would be swayed. The idea of Drakar as a threat would be too much for him to ignore. 

I stepped out into the cold air, the weight of the meeting lifting from my shoulders. But as I walked through the courtyard, something strange happened.

A figure stepped from the shadows, their movements swift and silent. For a moment, I didn’t even register their presence, but when they spoke, their voice was like a snake’s hiss, smooth and dangerous.

“I couldn’t help but overhear, Caelan.”

I froze, my hand instinctively reaching for the dagger at my belt. But the figure stepped into the light, revealing themselves to be a woman—cloaked in a deep hood, her face hidden in the shadows.

“What do you want?” I asked, my voice cold.

She smiled, the expression hidden beneath her hood, but I could hear the amusement in her voice. “I believe we have a common interest. You want the dragon gone. And I... can help you with that. For a price, of course.”

I narrowed my eyes, my mind already racing. Who was this woman? How did she know what I was planning?

“I don’t need your help,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. 

“Oh, but you do,” she replied smoothly, her tone carrying a sense of finality. “The dragon is a powerful foe, Caelan. You may think you can handle him on your own, but I assure you, you’ll need more than swords to bring him down.”

I studied her for a moment, the cold wind tugging at my cloak. “What’s your price?”

She laughed, a low, melodic sound that sent a chill down my spine. “Four hundred thousand Gold coins.”