The novel "Bride of Wrath" centers around Elara, a woman consumed by vengeance. After the destruction of her village, Eryndale, by an immortal king, Drystan, she disguises herself and becomes his bride with the intent of killing him. However, as she...
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The council chamber was filled with a palpable tension, a living entity that twisted around Elara as she stood beside Drystan. The flickering torches cast dancing shadows across the stone walls, illuminating the faces of the council members—some eager, others suspicious, all hungry for power.
Drystan cleared his throat, his commanding presence demanding silence. "We stand on the precipice of change," he began, his voice echoing in the vast space. "With Elara's arrival, we have an opportunity to harness the true strength of our kingdom."
Elara felt a rush of determination mixed with anxiety. She knew that every word spoken in this room could shape her fate. The council members shifted in their seats, eyes darting between her and Drystan, assessing their alliance.
Kael stood to Drystan's left, his face a mask of cunning. "Your Majesty, the council has expressed concerns about recent events. The unrest among the nobles grows, and whispers of dissent fill the air." He turned to the gathered nobles, his voice dripping with calculated authority. "The question remains: can we trust this alliance?"
"Trust?" Lady Verena sneered, her voice sharp as a blade. "How can we trust a girl who comes from ashes? A girl whose family was obliterated by our king's orders?"
Elara bristled at the insult but forced herself to remain calm. "You speak of trust, Lady Verena," she said, her voice steady. "But what trust can there be when you seek to undermine the very throne that protects you?"
A murmur rippled through the council, and Drystan shot Elara a look of surprise mixed with approval. She had dared to challenge the council openly, and though fear churned in her stomach, it also fuelled her resolve.
"The girl has spirit," Lord Serath growled, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed over his broad chest. "But spirit alone does not ensure loyalty. The council must be cautious. We have seen what happens when loyalty is misplaced."
Kael's eyes gleamed with mischief. "And what would you propose, Lord Serath? To eliminate her before she has the chance to prove herself?"
Elara shot a glance at Drystan, who had remained silent. Was he truly on her side, or was she merely a pawn in a dangerous game?
"Enough!" Drystan's voice rang out, echoing through the chamber. "We are not here to debate Elara's worth. We are here to decide our future. The kingdom stands at a crossroads, and if we do not act, we risk losing everything to chaos."
"And how do you intend to quell that chaos?" Lady Verena retorted, her tone mocking. "By parading around with this girl as if she were the answer to our problems?"
Drystan stepped forward, his gaze fierce. "Elara is the key to a power that could unite this kingdom. Her bloodline—"
"Is nothing but a legend!" Verena interrupted, her voice cutting through the air like a knife. "You cannot base our future on folklore!"
