The Imperial Council Chamber had been filled quickly after the first match had ended. The 15 noble houses took their seats, one seat vacant for the fallen house.
Empress Alexia sat at the head. To her right sat Princess Liona, her eyes still slightly red-rimmed despite her best efforts to appear calm. Chancellor Levenhart and Archmage Marcus stood behind the Empress, as was tradition for imperial advisors.
"This emergency council is now in session," Levenhart announced, his voice cutting through the tense murmurs. "The topic before us is the unexpected return of Grim Van Ambrose, heir to House Ambrose, previously believed deceased."
Lord Julius Luminaris was the first to speak, his aristocratic features set in a scowl. "Previously believed? The boy faked his death and hid for twelve years. That's not 'previously believed.' That's deliberate deception of the Crown."
