Marcello’s jaw was clenched, irritation simmering beneath his skin as he stalked toward the council chambers. His entire schedule for the week had been meticulously planned meetings, briefings, and countless decisions piled high yet the council had summoned him abruptly, without warning. And all of it on the very day he had a critical session scheduled with his advisors.

He didn’t waste time with greetings. The doors of the massive meeting hall slammed open as he stepped inside, drawing ...