Chapter 3 - The Council of Vipers


The High Council chamber was a dark, intimidating room filled with the kingdom's most powerful aristocrats. Clara stood beside Alexander, feeling the weight of dozens of judgmental eyes. Standing at the front of the opposition was none other than her own mother, Evelyn, who had somehow secured an audience through Grand Duke Julian's influence.
"Your Excellencies!" Evelyn cried out, putting on a performance of a heartbroken mother. "My daughter Clara was manipulated by this man! She is unfit to be Queen. She has conspired to ruin our family's reputation!"
Alexander slammed his hand on the arm of his throne, the sound echoing like a thunderclap. "You dare speak lies in my presence?"
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"It is not a lie, Your Majesty," Julian stepped forward, holding a thick folder. "We have financial records showing that Clara’s family received large sums of foreign currency just days before the wedding. It appears the Vance family was planning to sell state secrets, using Clara as the bridge to the palace."
The room erupted into murmurs. Clara gasped, looking at her mother in horror. Evelyn smiled subtly behind her handkerchief. They were setting her up. The plot wasn't just about family drama anymore—it was a high-stakes conspiracy to frame Clara for treason and force Alexander off the throne.