Allegiance

Chapter 18

The three royal families were growing restless in the council room of the floating castle as they were nearing the end of their topics of discussion for the day.

"In the name of the gods," Blaine stressed, rubbing his temples, trying to subdue his headache. He looked up at Virion with a bored glare since he was leading the discussion. "Are we almost done?"

Virion looked up from the paper in his hands, with his gaze landing on Blaine and raising a brow, seeing him losing his patience, "Become a little snippy, are we?"

"He's not the only one," Dawsid grumbled and crossed his arms. "We've been in here almost all day except for our few breaks."

"Well, that's what happens when we keep postponing council meetings," Merial chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "The pertinent topics needed to be discussed begin to pile up, and we get stuck with this."

"No shit," Blaine snapped, scoffing at Merial, thinking her pointing out the obvious was stupid. "Try not to be so brainless and point out the obvious next time."

Priscilla's gaze snapped to Blaine, going wide-eyed with surprise, mentally scolding him for such an outburst.

"Excuse me!" Alduin yelled, seething with anger at the blatant disrespect toward his wife.

Merial's humorous attitude was quickly washed away, and her eyes narrowed, feeling exasperated because of Blaine.

Virions' brows twitched, and his hand subtly gripped the paper tightly. On the outside, he seemed to remain calm. But on the inside, he was fuming at the Blaine and wanted to curse him. However, seeing his son and daughter-in-law becoming angry, he knew he needed to keep a clear head. He needed to prevent this council from falling apart. He already lived through one war and didn't want to see another.

Alduin abruptly stood up, and the chair he was sitting on fell to the floor with a loud thud. "Who in the hell do you think you are speaking to her in such a way!"

Blaine's gaze turned dark, glaring at Alduin intently, "I can ask you the same thing." He slowly and intimidatingly placed his palms on the table and stood from his chair. "Do not forget, I am the human King."

"Really?" Alduin said, sounding genuinely astonished. He looked back and forth around the room like he was looking for something that was lost. His eyes landed back on Blaine, and with a confused expression and disdainful tone, he said, "With how you act and hold yourself, I would've thought you were merely a cup-bearer."

Blaine's eyes widened, and he gritted his teeth, feeling rage swell in his chest, seeing Alduin undermining his authority, "You Dare!" Blaine's hands balled into fists, and he coated them in intense flames, matching his anger. "I will not stand for such disrespect!!"

The two human Lances, Varay and Bairon, stepped forward, seeing the situation declining rapidly, preparing to jump in at a moment's notice.

The two elven Lances, Aya and Alea, took notice of Varay and Bairon. They shared a glance, knowing this could end very badly. They looked back at Varay and Bairon intently and stepped forward, preparing to protect the elven royal family at any cost.

Seeing the elven and human Lances squaring off, the two Dwarven Lances, Mica and Olfred, stepped forward to protect the Dwarven royal family. They had no intention of joining the fight, only to keep their King and Queen from harm.

Priscilla quickly stood up from her seat, seeing this display had gone on for too long. "Enough!!" Priscilla yelled commandingly, her voice reverberating throughout the room, both dominating and elegant.

All eyes flicked to her, widened and surprised since she usually never raised her voice.

Priscilla looked at her Lances intently. "Stand down, now," She ordered harshly and beautifully, leaving no room for contestation.