Arkanos rested his chin on his hand, his emerald eyes piercing into Lord Hadrian with an expression that sent a shiver through the chamber.
The young noble had chosen his words carefully, but even the slightest suggestion of resistance was dangerous in a room like this. The air grew tense as whispers rippled through the gathered lords, some watching with intrigue, others with barely concealed amusement at the noble's predicament.
A single word from the Emperor could see him stripped of title, exiled—or worse.
Arkanos let the silence linger for a moment longer before speaking.
"You speak of the people's will, Lord Valmere?" His voice was even, but there was a weight behind it.
Hadrian swallowed hard, but he held his ground. "Only that transitions of power, when done too abruptly, may lead to unrest, Your Majesty. If the commoners resist the changes, then it could—"
