[Samael Ashwood's POV]
"If I may, Your Majesty," A man who looked to be in his early forties sitting beside Lady Eveline Clearwater spoke up. His presence exuded authority and wisdom, his eyes sharp and attentive. This was Lord Maxwell Clearwater, head of the Clearwater family and a respected figure in the court.
King Cedric nodded for him to proceed. "Please, Lord Clearwater, share your thoughts."
"My most noble and respected house of Clearwater also faces certain grievances that warrant this council's attention," Lord Maxwell Clearwater began, his voice steady and clear. "It has come to my attention that the tensions between our houses are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of unrest that could jeopardize the stability of our kingdom."