Book 4: Tension Continues

Xander

“Apologies.” Lord Edvard bows, dark hair braided back away from his face, and hurries to his seat at the council table. “There was word of a skirmish at the edge of my lands, and it required my attention.”

Father gestures dismissively. “There are rumors of skirmishes on all our lands, Edvard. I would thank you to keep your attention on protecting Tansy Beach rather than the holdings of House Arbanas.”

Lord Edvard takes his seat with a slight grimace, but he doesn’t dare push back against Father. Ever since his return from the meeting in Beddingsea, very few people do. Despite his attempts at secrecy, word spread quickly. Everyone knows.

Peace is not coming. Or at the very least, not without a price.

That’s why tension already hangs heavy in the council’s air. We’ve talked of nothing but the war, and I don’t expect that to change soon. Every person at this table has a lifetime of legacy to lose, and they’re barking orders with tha