As the evening wore on, Elara continued to gather snippets of conversation, her confidence growing with each piece of information she acquired. She overheard lords discussing troop movements in the south, murmurs of dissatisfaction among the common folk, and whispers of a potential rebellion brewing just below the surface. Every word was fuel for her ambitions, and she tucked the information away, a mental ledger of leverage she could use against Korran. She also caught wind of alliances forming among the nobility, each eager to position themselves for favor in the event of a shift in power.
Elara approached another group, where a particularly influential lady was extolling the virtues of her daughter as a potential bride for Korran. The lady's voice was shrill with desperation, revealing the cracks in her own ambitions. "He needs someone of stature, someone who can elevate his position, not just a pretty face," the woman insisted, her eyes glinting with greed. Elara seized the moment, interjecting smoothly, "And yet, beauty can often conceal a cunning mind. I believe Korran would appreciate a balance of both, wouldn't you agree?" The lady glared at her, but Elara could see the gears turning in her mind, the seeds of doubt beginning to sprout. The game was shifting, and Elara was pulling the strings with deft precision.
YOU ARE READING
Shadows of Deceit
AcciónA short story! It's based on a quote I made: "If you wield the sword forbid you to deserve, then I can play my convincing innocent part and be behind the trigger and put the blame upon you, and trust me, you have no say, because who'll believe you...
