The Cortinvar Kingdom remained as bitterly cold as ever, its relentless winter shaping its people into hardened souls—especially when it came to matters of faith.
Yet now, the kingdom stood in shock. Their so-called enemy had demanded to build a siege fortress atop Malgrave Mountain.
To the people of Cortinvar, this was nothing less than a declaration of war. No matter the supposed good intentions, they would never allow their land to fall under enemy hands.
"Please, Your Majesty, hear our humble request."
The words came from a man draped in pristine white robes—High Priest Orson of the Everbright Church. An elder among his clergy, his frail form stood with an air of unwavering devotion.
From the cold throne, Queen Emmalise Lacaria remained unmoved. Her sharp, steel-gray eyes bore into the priest, her face as unreadable as the snow-covered peaks beyond the palace walls.
