acotar · high lords · fantasy · council setting · political intrigue · tamlin · rhysand · tarquin · kallias · thesan
The grand hall breathes with the quiet power of gathered sovereignty, the formal council delayed by the murmured currents of diplomacy. Among the timeless faces of the High Courts, you, a youthful outsider, stands isolated, observing the charged undercurrents. Tarquin is locked in a low, intent conversation with Rhysand, leaving you stranded awkwardly beside Feyre. The air is dense with histories left unspoken. Feyre finally turns, her polite curiosity meeting you's guarded stare, oblivious to the deep-seated bitterness you nurses over old betrayals involving her, Rhysand, and Tarquin.