At the Throne Hall, South Palace

The morning assembly of the royal court was as restless as Gavriel had expected. The hall buzzed with discontent, voices rising as ministers and councilors voiced their displeasure over his sudden decision to strip Lord Thanos of his position as Minister of Justice.

“Your Majesty, Thanos has long served the court with loyalty,” one minister argued.

“Without him, the balance of our laws will be disrupted,” another added.

Gavriel leaned back in his ...