Veil of Thrones •••Stoic•••

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The grand dining hall is filled with the morning sun filtering through the tall windows. The ornate table, set with an elaborate spread, gleams with polished silver and crystal

One by one, the sixteen heirs enter, taking their seats. Tension hangs thick in the air. At the head of the table sits the queen, regal and composed, observing them with a cool, assessing gaze. Jasper enters last, his movements tense. Leo’s gaze sharpens when he sees Jasper, but he keeps his expression neutral

Russo Valentina

[with a serene smile, though her eyes glint with something sharper] Good morning, my heirs. I trust you all had a restful night?

[Lucian, sitting to her left, exchanges a quick glance with Aaron, both of them picking up on the queen’s tone.]

. Lucian Vantier

[sipping his coffee, with a hint of sarcasm] As restful as one can expect under your… careful watch, Your Majesty

Russo Valentina

[raising an eyebrow, amused] Oh, Lucian, always so dramatic [She leans forward slightly, her gaze sweeping the table] In fact, I think I should address the… rising discomfort among you all [Her eyes briefly meet Leo’s] Rest assured, I am only looking out for the family’s best interests. And I expect absolute cooperation

. Leo Harkness

[giving her a slight smile, masking his hostility] Of course, Your Majesty. After all, what choice do we have?

Russo Valentina

[smiling thinly] Ah, Leo, I knew you’d understand. And you all should follow his example

Selene Stormrider

[raising her eyebrow, her tone pointed] We are all quite aware of your expectations. But ‘cooperation’ doesn’t mean surrendering our minds or our values

Russo Valentina

Consider your values wisely, Selene. Some sacrifices are necessary to maintain balance

Kian Volkov

Balance should be mutual, Your Majesty. Not something enforced by fear.

[The queen’s face tightens, but she maintains her poise, folding her hands in her lap.]

Russo Valentina

[with a hint of menace] I have given you all much. Wealth, power, a legacy that will stand the test of time. And yet… some of you still seem inclined to resist [Her gaze lands briefly on Jasper, a subtle reminder of last night’s incident]

Ariella Caine

[softly, but firmly] The past is yours, but the future—our future—is ours to decide.

Russo Valentina

Then prove your loyalty, my heirs. After all, without loyalty, the family falls.

[There’s a long, heavy silence as the heirs meet each other’s eyes, an unspoken agreement forming between them. The queen, however, leans back in her chair, satisfaction flickering briefly in her gaze, knowing she still holds power over them—though, for how long, remains uncertain.]

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