BLOODLINE

Chapter 7 - Threads of Destiny

Days had passed since the ill-fated wedding, and whispers of coldness between the newlyweds had spread like wildfire across the realm. Some murmured that the King had been coerced into marrying the sorceress princess under duress, while others claimed Ratih had orchestrated the assassination of his family and now held him captive.

These unfounded rumors only served to tarnish her reputation further, casting long shadows over her name. It wasn't long before such whispers reached the ears of the court, stirring discord and intrigue in their wake.

"His Majesty's marriage has become a matter of grave concern." Lady Althea Voss, the master of whispers began, her voice tinged with frustration. She has imposing figure with her slender frame. 

Her raven-black hair flowed down her back in stark contrast to her pale complexion, her vivid green eyes peering out from beneath her dark, flowing garments.

"An understatement, I would argue." Lord Cedric Fawne, the master of laws, interjected. His tall, lean form was marked by a sharp, angular face and piercing grey eyes. His silver hair was cropped short and meticulously groomed. "The whispers of their indifference are spreading like wildfire across all of Aldevia." 

Lady Marisella Evandale, a powerful noble with her long, dark hair intricately braided and deep blue eyes that held a calculating gaze, added, "Indeed. Whispers carry weight, especially when they impact the flow of our coins."

Lord Duncan Blackwood, the Master of Coin and King Harlan's cousin is a stout man with a robust build, his dark hair streaked with grey and a prominent scar etched across his left cheek, chimed in, "The flow of coin is crucial. We cannot ignore the effect these rumors have on our treasury."

"Thank you for stating the obvious." Theodore responded, his voice dripping with sarcasm. The pressure of the situation weighed heavily on him, for it was his task to convince his cousin of the necessary measures to dispel the rumors that were drastically affecting the realm.

"None of this would have come to pass had you advised the King against the marriage from the start." Lord Cedric murmured, his words dripping with blame as he pointed the finger at Theodore for failing to dissuade Byron from wedding Ratih. 

Theodore let out a sardonic chuckle, disbelief etched on his face."I am but his hand, not his master." Theodore retorted. "My counsel is merely a suggestion, it is his prerogative to heed or ignore it. I wield no command over his will." 

He swept his gaze across the assembled court, a silent reminder that Byron's decisions were his own to make.

"But the King is young and clearly unaware of the implications and importance of choosing the right consort for his reign." Lady Marisella interjected, her gaze sweeping the others for approval. Theodore clenched his jaw, his patience wearing thin.

"The King may be young, but he is no fool. Tread carefully." he warned, feeling as if this meeting had been convened solely to insult Byron. 

"I offer my deepest and most genuine support for him as a Blackwood, but let us be honest here, Byron is not fit to be King." Lord Duncan declared, his voice hesitant yet firm, aiming for Theodore to heed his words.

"And choosing the wrong woman—a sorceress, no less—does not contribute to his advantage at all." Lady Althea voiced, her words met with nods of agreement from the rest of the court. Theodore fell silent, scrutinizing them with a hard gaze.

"Perhaps the King sees it fit to fulfill his late brother's betrothal on his behalf, thus he pushed through with the wedding." Lord Cedric pondered aloud, exchanging curious glances with the rest of the court.