Chapter 80: To be king.

Aric walked slowly to the edge of the platform where the nobles stood and raised his voice, his tone hardening as it reached the masses.

"I will tell you what rebellion truly brings, it is the aame thing it has brought to this council members."

He let the silence stretch for a moment, letting the implications of his words settle in the hearts of those before him.

The crowd leaned in, as though the air had become too thick to breathe, anticipation clawing at their throats.

"Death."

The word dropped like a stone in still water, and the ripples were felt immediately. Gasps rippled through the crowd, and murmurs of shock began to rise.

But Aric remained unfazed, his face cold, unmoved by their horror.

"Bring them forward," he commanded, his voice as cold as steel.