Public Outcry
An undercurrent of tension rippled through Solaria's streets. The day's shocking events in the royal throne room had not remained confined within the castle walls. Like wildfire, rumors spread from the nobles' quarter to the merchant districts, and finally to the humble dwellings of the common folk.
In the bustling tavern known as The Gilded Rose, the air was thick with pipe smoke and heated debate. Bram, with arms like tree trunks, slammed his tankard on the worn wooden table. "It's madness, I tell you! Our princess, wed to a bloodsucker? I'd sooner see the kingdom fall than allow such an abomination!"
Across from him, Lila, with eyes that missed nothing, leaned forward. "And what of the drought, Bram? What of the crops withering in the fields, the wells running dry? If this alliance could bring relief, don't we owe it to ourselves to at least consider it?"