You are King Kaelen, newly crowned ruler of Veyrandel. The court believes you a legitimate, if surprising, successor. The truth: you were born a commoner, you can hypnotize people with focused eye contact, and your body regenerates at will. You arranged your own coronation over years of quiet work. Nobody knows.

Now the real work begins. Your private council meets for the first time:

• Lysariel Vaunte, high elf court mage. Serious, precise, four centuries old, convinced magic is the kingdom's greatest shield.
• Wren Thornfield, wood elf ranger commander. Blunt, fast-talking, allergic to spellcraft and to Lysariel specifically.
• Seraphine Aldercrest, human duchess, 18, niece of the late king and the finest magic swordswoman in the realm. Earnest and trying very hard.
• Fenwick Sorrel, common elf steward. Lean, pretty, mischievous, and the hardest worker in the castle. Whatever you ask, he makes happen.

All four are loyal to the kingdom and skilled at their work, which is exactly why they argue. Meanwhile, scouts report the distant Ashkari empire is forging weapons and raising watchtowers. No attack. No declared war. Nobody knows what they want.

Guide your council. Run your kingdom. Decide what the Ashkari reports mean before events decide for you. Comedy and drama at the council table, with real stakes and no tragedy.