Celestial Bonds - Shattered Paths (Book 3)

Chapter 4: Hidden Agendas

Lira

The council chamber is colder than usual today, or maybe it's just the chill in my veins as I sit. I've learned to conceal my emotions behind a mask of composure, but today, even that feels brittle. The council members have grown increasingly restless, and I sense that something significant is about to unfold. They've been whispering in corners, glancing my way with eyes that betray suspicion and concern. I know why I'm here, but the thought of the confrontation ahead tightens a knot in my stomach.

Kian had tried to hide the cracks in his resolve, but I've seen them, felt them even as I stood by his side. He's struggling with the pressure of leading Terra through this conflict and his emotions. And I... I've been caught in this web of politics and prophecy, watching him drift further into isolation. I used to think I could guide him and be the voice of reason amidst the chaos. Now, I'm not so sure.

I glance to my left, where Kian usually sat during these meetings. Today, he's conspicuously absent, which doesn't bode well. The council takes his absence as an opportunity to push their agenda. My eyes drift across the room, taking in the familiar faces of the council members. Some are staunch allies, others potential threats. They all have their motives and desires for what Terra should become. And it's my job to navigate this treacherous ground while keeping Kian's best interests at heart.

The head of the council clears his throat, his gaze sharp as it lands on me. "Advisor Lira," he begins, his voice carrying a weight that makes the air around us seem heavy. We need to discuss Prince Kian's recent actions and the future of our kingdom."

I keep my expression neutral, nodding slightly. "I'm here to listen," I reply, knowing full well this is not a discussion they want to have with Kian present. They are looking for an opening to pressure me, to test where my loyalties truly lie.

The head counselor doesn't waste time. "Prince Kian has shown signs of wavering," he states bluntly. "His decisions are influenced by emotional entanglements that compromise his ability to lead with the clarity this kingdom requires."

Emotional entanglements. The words strike a chord in me, bringing forth an image of Kian standing by the window of his chambers, his eyes distant and pained. They're speaking of Lyara, of course, and perhaps even me. I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry, but I maintain my calm facade. "The prince is facing unprecedented challenges," I say evenly. "His leadership is tested, but he remains committed to Terra's future."

One of the councilors leans forward, eyes gleaming with a predatory intent. "And yet, it is that very commitment we question. His involvement with the Eltorian princess and increasing reliance on you, Advisor Lira, have raised concerns. We fear he's losing sight of what Terra needs."

I meet his gaze, feeling a surge of anger that I tamp down. I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing me react. They're probing for a weakness, searching for a way to undermine Kian's authority by targeting me. "The prince's alliances are strategic," I respond, my voice steady. "They may be unconventional, but they are necessary given the current political climate."

They continue to press, questioning Kian's ability to lead, suggesting he's becoming more of a liability than an asset. The room grows tense, the atmosphere thick with barely veiled accusations. I listen; every word is challenging, and every glance tests my resolve. They want to see if I will break or betray Kian to save my position.

Then, they laid it out, and the reason for this meeting became painfully clear. "If Prince Kian cannot steer Terra in the direction we need," the head councilor says, his voice like ice, "then we may need to consider... alternative leadership. Terra's survival depends on strength, not sentiment."

A coup. The word slams into me like a physical blow, even though they haven't said it outright. My stomach churns, and my mind spins with the implications momentarily. They're considering replacing and overthrowing Kian if he doesn't meet their demands. My heart races, but I force myself to remain outwardly composed. They're watching me, waiting to see how I'll react.

"I understand your concerns," I say carefully, choosing my words like a warrior picking weapons for battle. "But know this: Prince Kian is not weak. He is navigating complexities that none of us fully understand, particularly concerning the prophecy and the Crown. To undermine him now would be to weaken Terra's standing in this conflict."

There's a moment of silence, the councilors exchanging looks. They didn't expect me to push back, but they're not entirely deterred. I can see the calculation in their eyes. They need me on their side—or at least, they need to believe they can control me.

"You speak with conviction, Advisor," the head councilor remarks, his tone smooth, almost oily. "But remember where your loyalties must lie. The welfare of Terra is paramount. We hope you will continue to keep that in mind."

I incline my head, though inside, a storm rages. They're testing my allegiance, trying to plant doubt in my mind, to sway me into their fold. But they don't know me as well as they think. I'm loyal to Terra, but my loyalty to Kian runs just as deep, if not deeper. And they've underestimated how far I'll go to protect him.

The meeting concludes, the councilors dispersing with a finality that sends a shiver down my spine. I remain seated momentarily, letting the gravity of what transpired settle over me. My role here is becoming increasingly precarious. I'm caught between my loyalty to Kian and the pressure of the council pushing for a different course of action. And then, there are my feelings—ones I've tried to keep buried but have started to surface against my will. Kian... he's more than just my prince. He's become someone I care about deeply, and that terrifies me.

I rise, smoothing the front of my cloak as I approach the door. I need to find Kian and warn him of the council's intentions. But as I walk through the corridor, a flicker of doubt crosses my mind. Can I genuinely protect him from this? Can I shield him from the political machinations while keeping my emotions at bay? I've been so careful to maintain my distance and be the composed advisor he needs, but now...

I pause outside the council chamber, taking a deep breath. I have to remain strong. Kian is counting on me, whether he knows it or not. The council is closing in, and I need to find a way to navigate this web of deceit without losing myself—or him—in the process.

As I turn the corner, I catch sight of Kian in the distance, talking to one of the guards. His posture is stiff, his expression weary. My heart clenches. He has no idea what I've just faced, the decisions I'm being forced to make. And he can't know. Not yet. I must be sure of our next move before I share the council's threat with him.

"Kian," I call out as I approach, forcing a calm smile onto my face. He looks up, his eyes narrowing slightly, searching mine for some hint of what I'm hiding.

"Lira," he replies, his voice edged with exhaustion. "How did the council meeting go?"

I step closer, meeting his gaze steadily. "As expected," I say smoothly, keeping my tone light. "We'll discuss it later. For now, I have something else we need to go over."

He nods, though I can see the questions in his eyes. He trusts me, but he knows I'm keeping things from him. I hope, when the time comes, he'll understand why.