One of the older councilors let out a short laugh. "Hah. She's got fire."
"She is not here to amuse you," Kaelion cut in, voice flat.
Elira turned her eyes on him, calm and steady. "Nor am I here to be ignored."
Kaelion's gaze sharpened like a drawn blade.
The air turned cold.
"You will not interfere in matters of state," he said, tone low and final. "This marriage is a necessity. Nothing more. Speak when spoken to. Smile if you must. But know your place."
Gasps rang out, but Elira didn't flinch.
Instead, she stepped closer to the table. "Then allow me to be clear, Your Highness."
Now all eyes turned to her.
"I am not here to warm your bed or decorate your arm. I am here because my people entrusted me to protect their future. And if I must do so in a land of ice and iron, I will not do it silently."
The hall stilled.
Even Kaelion blinked once. Just once.
Then he stood. "Dismissed."
The council murmured among themselves as he strode out of the chamber without another glance at her.
Elira exhaled, steadying her breath.
One of the younger councilors leaned toward her and whispered, "You've just declared war, Princess."
She smiled. "Then let the games begin."