Chapter 103 — The Captive Advisor
The Obsidian Throne room felt colder than the dungeons.
Liora stood beside Cairis's throne in her new role — bound magical advisor. The enchanted chains on her wrists and ankles glowed with dark runes, suppressing most of her hybrid power while allowing her just enough to be "useful." A thin silver collar around her throat marked her as property of the king.
Cairis lounged on the throne like a predator at rest, one leg draped over the armrest, claws tapping lazily. His cold crimson eyes scanned the assembled lords with open disdain.
"Speak," he commanded Liora without looking at her. "Tell these snakes which among them would happily sell the kingdom while I was… indisposed."
The court held its breath.
