"What course of action do you suggest, then?" King Brylon, the Fiftieth sovereign of the Prismerian kingdom, asked. His gaze swept downward from his majestic Crystal-forged throne, settling upon his council members.
They were seated in their respective positions around a long rectangular table, crafted from a fusion of stone and crystal, with an intricately carved stone base and a top covered by a fine layer of Crystal-forged material.
"I propose we wage an all-out war against it and eliminate the threat once and for all," declared Garnet Gemheart, leader of the Gemheart clan. He directed his intense gaze towards the assembled clan leaders seated beside and across from him, then shifted his attention to King Brylon.
"My king, the situation has reached a critical point. The once-thriving garden is now withering, the tree's life force is fading, and the garden itself diminishes year by year. If we continue down this path of inaction, we might as well start digging our own graves, given that you all seem more than willing to do so."
"Clan Leader Garnet, if you're so eager to plunge us into war, feel free to do so, but know that my clan will not be a part of it," retorted Maya Crystalforge.
Her gaze held a mixture of defiance and disappointment as she regarded the ambitious and often manipulative leader of the Gemheart clan.
She was well aware of his motives – the Gemstones in the garden were dwindling year after year, forcing clan members to compete fiercely for a chance at obtaining one. Yet, Maya recognized that the scarcity affected all five clans who shared the garden, and Garnet's single-minded proposition struck her as misguided.
So, the fact that he would go to any length and suggest such a thing was more than enough to make her frown in displeasure at his train of thoughts.
"I agree," King Brylon muttered, his gaze fixed squarely on Clan Leader Garnet, an inscrutable expression masking his thoughts. "If the Gemheart Clan believes it can take on the might of White Flame and simultaneously eradicate the vines plaguing our kingdom, then by all means, proceed."
"The kingdom will throw its full support behind you. In fact, I have no doubt that our people will rally alongside you, even contributing their own precious gemstones to aid your cause and ensure your success." His eyes narrowed as he studied Garnet, his tone laced with a subtle challenge. "So, Clan Leader Garnet, does the Gemheart Clan still wish to embark on this war, in honour of our kingdom?"
Garnet Gemheart clenched his teeth, his gaze shifting momentarily from Maya, the present seating leader of the Crystalforge Clan, before returning to King Brylon Crystalforge, the Clan head of the Crystalforge Clan.
Even though he might have considered using the perceived bias of the King and the current leader against him, given their shared clan affiliation, the disapproving glances from the other clan heads warned him that it was best to keep his words in check for now.
Still, he couldn't help but shake his head at the King's statement: "I believe that honour should be shared equally among all the clans, to prevent the perception that the Gemheart clan is monopolizing the glory," he said before continuing, "However, considering the growing strength of the Crystalforge clan and their increasing number of capable heirs and members, it would be fitting for the princess and her guards to take the lead in the war against White Flame, given their willingness to confront the threat."
Before Garnet could proceed, the armrest of the King's throne began to transform, numerous crystal spikes emerging from it, forming a protective circle around his arm instead of posing any harm.
Witnessing this, Garnet concealed a knowing smile within, observing as the spikes gradually extended towards his location.
"Forgive me if my words have incited any offence, King Brylon," he calmly spoke, carefully choosing his words, "What I intended to say is that this presents a prime opportunity for the Crystalforge Clan to improve the princess's reputation among the people of the kingdom…"
"Garnet!" A powerful yet composed female voice rang out beside King Brylon.
Garnet shifted his attention with a visible frown, his gaze locking onto the queen of the Prismerian kingdom. His eyes traced the ornate crystal tiara resting upon her long, radiant red hair before descending to meet her intense ruby-like irises and her stern expression.
"Clan Leader Garnet, I find it unwise to propose that a young girl should lead a war and shoulder the responsibility of liberating our kingdom from an ongoing threat that has plagued us for generations," she spoke, her voice unwavering. "Unless, of course, you also believe it appropriate for the current heir of the Gemheart Clan to face the same fate. In that case, as the Queen of the Prismerian kingdom, I hold the authority to make such decisions a reality."
Garnet Gemheart found himself rendered speechless the moment he was met with the intensity of the Queen's fierce scowl.
However, as her expression swiftly transformed into a calm demeanour, she began to gently soothe the King's anger by caressing his arm.
This intervention halted the crystal spikes, which had been inching closer to Garnet's neck, causing them to retract into the armrest of the crystal throne.
Watching this scene unfold, Garnet could sense the collective disappointment and exasperated sighs emanating from the other clan leaders, prompting him to bite back any further words.
At least, that was the case until...
"BAAMMM!!!"
The echoing sound of the door being forcefully flung open reverberated through the crystalline chamber. Rushing in was Princess Crystalia, the potential future Queen of the Prismerian Kingdom—although that prospect hinged on her triumphing over all odds against the other heirs from the clans for the throne.
She was accompanied by two others racing in behind her. One of these figures was immediately recognized as Flintor Crystalforge, the future head knight of the Crystalforge Clan, who followed behind her closely.
Though they tried to discern the identity of the second person accompanying the Princess, struggling with the sight of them carrying something small yet seemingly larger than their stature, the council members couldn't help but direct their gazes primarily toward Princess Crystalia.
After all, it was quite unusual for her to interrupt a crucial council meeting unless the matter was of utmost importance.
