The heavy, iron-banded oak doors of the Emerald Kingdom's grand council chamber clicked shut with a resounding, definitive thud. To the ordinary ear, it was merely the sound of wood meeting stone. But to Princess Mana, sitting perfectly composed at the head of the polished mahogany table, it was the beautiful, echoing sound of total victory.
The legal war was officially over.
Sitting across from her was Lord Silas. The once-arrogant aristocrat, who had swaggered into the capital city weeks ago wrapped in expensive silks and dripping with condescension, now looked entirely broken. His face was a sickly, ashen grey. His hands, usually adorned with ostentatious rings, trembled visibly as they rested upon the table.
