Vows Amidst the Vultures

The council chamber loomed cold and unwelcoming, its tall windows barely allowing the late afternoon light to penetrate the shadows that clung to the stone floor. A heavy silence enveloped the space, broken only by the rustle of dark robes as the advisors entered, their faces unreadable masks.

I stood beside James at the head of the chamber, my fingers brushing against the hilt of my dagger concealed beneath my cloak. More a gesture of reassurance than a threat. Though my heart thundered in my chest, I maintained a calm facade, carefully masking the storm of emotions roiling within me. James was rigid beside me, his hand resting on the table, jaw clenched tight as the last of Alec’s advisors settled into their seats.

At the center of the assembly sat Orwin, his gaze sharp and predatory, hands folded in front of him like a vulture poised to swoop. The other council members were no better, stern faces betraying little sympathy for the couple standing before them.

“The council has gathered,” Orwin stated flatly, the formality in his tone failing to conceal his displeasure.
“What business do you bring before us today, Lord James?”

James shot a quick glance my way before fixing his gaze on the table of advisors. His voice, firm and resonant, filled the chamber.

“We have come to inform you of our intentions.”

He paused, drawing in a breath.

“Isabella and I are to be married.”

His words hung in the air, a stone cast into a still pond, rippling through the council. Orwin’s eyes narrowed, but his expression remained impassive. The others shifted, some exchanging glances. There was no shock, only a chilling acceptance that spoke volumes about their understanding of our situation.

“A marriage?”

Orwin drawled slowly, leaning back in his chair, his tone dripping with skepticism.

“You expect this council to accept such a union without question?”
“May I remind you, James, that she is married to your brother, Captain Blackthorn?”
“She was bought and paid for,” one of the advisors chimed in.
“He killed the king and queen, and she was present,” another added, their voices rising in a chorus of accusation.
“That is treason.”

James squared his shoulders.

“My brother is dead.”

His voice cut through the murmur of dissent.

“She is not responsible for his crimes.”
“Her marriage to Captain Blackthorn was severed the moment he took his last breath.”
“It is not for the council to question,” he continued, his tone unwavering.
“The decision has been made.”
“This marriage will unite us in more than name.”

I felt the weight of their stares, cold and calculating, dissecting me. Forcing myself to meet their gaze. I kept my expression neutral. Beneath their scrutiny, I sensed an undercurrent of suspicion, unspoken thoughts passing between them. They did not trust me—or James. Alec’s shadow still loomed large over this chamber; over everything they did. Orwin cleared his throat, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

“A convenient union, no doubt,” he remarked.
“One that will solidify your position here in Vespera, I presume?”

My fingers twitched at the dagger at my side, but I remained silent. This was James’s fight. At least for now. He did not waver.

“The reasons for our marriage are ours alone,” he retorted sharply.
“It is true that we must unite to secure Vespera’s future.”
“The city has been left vulnerable by Alec’s death.”
“We cannot afford to be divided.”
“I have more wealth than my brother did.”

A murmur of agreement rippled among the council members, but Orwin remained silent, his keen eyes fixed on James.

“What do you propose the council’s role will be in this union?”

Orwin inquired, his tone deceptively neutral.

“We expect your support,” James replied, his resolve unwavering.
“As the ruling council of Vespera, it is in all our interests to ensure the city’s stability.”
“You will continue to advise as you have but make no mistake, our authority will not be undermined.”

A flicker of something crossed Orwin’s face, gone before I could name it. His gaze darted to me for a brief moment, sizing me up again.


“Lady Isabella?” he purred, his voice smoother now, more calculated.
“What are your intentions in this union?”

I straightened, lifting my chin defiantly.

“I do not need to defend my intentions to you.”
“My loyalty lies with James and the future we will build together.”
“Vespera will need strong leadership to weather the coming storms, and we intend to provide it.”

Orwin’s eyes lingered on me, but he remained silent. Halric, another advisor who had been quiet until now, spoke.

“You ask for our support, but you have done little to prove yourselves worthy of it.”
“Alec ruled Vespera with an iron fist, and many still remember his reign with a sense of loyalty.”
“How can we trust that this union is not merely a bid for power?”

James’s jaw tightened, and I felt a surge of anger.

“This is not about power.”
“It is about survival.”
“Alec’s way of ruling left Vespera vulnerable.”
“We can no longer afford to rule through fear and control.”
“Isabella and I will govern differently.”
“What if the people do not accept your rule?”

Halric pressed, his tone darkening. I stepped forward.

“Then we will show them why they should.”
“I am the rightful heir to the throne, and my son will be the next king when he comes of age.”

Silence fell over the room once more. Orwin’s lips twitched into a thin smile, devoid of warmth.

“It seems,” Orwin said slowly, “that we have little choice in the matter.”
“For now, we will accept your union.”
“This council will be watching your every move.”

The council’s approval was merely a formality; they would continue to challenge our every decision, waiting for a moment of weakness. Orwin rose, followed by the other advisors, signaling the end of the meeting.

“The council will convene again in the coming days,” he stated.
“There is much to discuss regarding the city’s future.”

The advisors filed out. James and I remained standing side by side. Once the last of them had left, James turned to me, his voice low.

“This is only the beginning.”
“Let them watch,” I replied softly, my hand brushing against his.
“We will be ready.”