The Empty Throne

POV: RONAN

Masking my rising anxiety beneath a practiced, unshakeable exterior, I forced my posture into absolute composure. I walked past the solemn-faced men, pulling out my chair and taking my rightful seat at the head of the heavy mahogany table. I gave them each a sharp, calculating nod, acknowledging the unexpected representatives sent directly from the palace.

"I apologize if you were ke