Page 83 of Shattered Crown

Says the man who just negotiated with the immovable mountain himself,Thorne replied, exhaustion coloring his thoughts.

We're quite a pair.

The best.

Love flowed between them, sustaining both through their separate trials. Silas closed his eyes, letting the sensation wash over him. When he opened them, Diana stood in the doorway.

“The council convenes tomorrow,” she reported. “Your father wants you to present potential areas of cooperation between human forces and forest guardians.”

“Testing me publicly.”

“Giving you opportunity to demonstrate value,” she countered. “Take it for what it is.”

“Any advice?”

Diana considered. “Don't try to be what he wants. Show him what he needs—a bridge between worlds. And remember that half the council fears magic while the other half secretly uses it.”

“And if they reject cooperation entirely?”

“Then we remind them what happens when Sebastian wins.” Her expression hardened. “I've prepared contingencies.”

Of course she had. Silas felt a rush of gratitude for her friendship and foresight.

Night deepened around them. Somewhere in the palace, his father calculated advantages and risks. In the forest, Thorne battled darkness that threatened both their worlds. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, Silas allowed himself a moment of cautious determination.

They'd taken the first tentative step. Everything else would follow, one careful negotiation at a time.

19

CROWN ALLIANCE

The great hall buzzed with anticipation like a hive of angry bees. Silas stood beside his father's throne, careful to maintain the precise distance that had been negotiated—close enough to present a united front, far enough to signal his independence. Noble families filled the chamber, their silk and velvet clothing rustling as they whispered behind jeweled hands. Some faces he recognized from childhood, others were strangers who'd gained power during his exile.

King Thomas sat rigid on his throne, bandages hidden beneath formal robes. The silver in his hair caught morning light streaming through stained glass windows. Silas noticed how his father's hands gripped the armrests, knuckles white with effort. Standing for this announcement cost him, but showing weakness before the court would cost more.

“Lords and ladies of the realm,” Thomas began, his voice carrying despite the obvious strain. “We gather at a crossroads. The traditional approaches have proven... insufficient.”

Murmurs rippled through the assembly. Silas watched Lord Blackwood's face darken, the traditionalist leader's jaw clenching at each word.

“The shadow corruption spreads,” Thomas continued, his tone more calculating than passionate. “Sebastian Blackthorn commands powers our standard forces cannot effectively counter. Therefore, I propose a strategic coordination with the guardian and spirits of the Eldergrove to address this specific threat.”

The careful wording wasn't lost on Silas. Not an alliance—coordination. Not a permanent shift—a tactical response. His father remained the pragmatist, framing necessity as strategy.

Voices rose in protest and cautious support, creating a cacophony that echoed off vaulted ceilings. Lord Blackwood surged to his feet, face flushed with anger.

“This is madness!” he shouted. “Your Majesty, with respect, your injuries have clearly affected your judgment. To embrace the very forces we've held at bay for generations...”

“The forces that prevented complete catastrophe?” Thomas interrupted coldly. “The powers that protected your own estates from shadow corruption last month?”

Blackwood faltered but recovered quickly. “Temporary assistance in crisis, yes. But formal coordination? You invite corruption into our very halls!”

Other nobles joined the protest. Lady Winters questioned the theological implications. Lord Harrington demanded to know what guarantees existed against magical interference in human affairs. The carefully choreographed announcement descended into heated debate.

Silas stepped forward, drawing the room's attention.

“My lords, my ladies,” he began, pitching his voice to carry. “I understand your concerns. I once shared them.”

The admission surprised many, creating a moment of quiet.

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