Varen's eyes blazed.
"You still say this? Even after they attacked the King in his royal palace?"
He gestured sharply toward the King.
"Does Lady Serina not put the King in her eyes?"
The Advisor raised a hand.
"Spying, Lord Varen. Not attacking. There is a distinction."
Varen whirled on him.
"Do not argue semantics with me!"
He turned back to the table, his voice rising.
"How are we supposed to explain this to the people? That a spy waltzed into the palace, listened to the King's council, and escaped without consequence?"
The King's brow furrowed slightly.
He seemed to be considering the point.
Varen noticed the shift. He pressed his advantage, turning to the large man seated across from him.
"Grand Marshal. Surely you agree. The military cannot stand idle while our enemies grow bold."
The Grand Marshal was silent for a moment.
Then he spoke.
"What if it wasn't just the threat of the cult and the Demon King?"
The room stilled.
