Royal Squabbles

Zao POV

"Tradition is tradition. We do not know better than our fathers," Miniter Stan said calmly, stroking his silver beard in a attempt to appear unruffled. The others nodded eagerly, whispering among themselves in agreement. Kibi, however, shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting towards them with a hint of unease.

I've seen men like him before - intelligent and innovative, but born with ideas too revolutionary for their time. These conversations are futile, I thought to myself. No matter how much I might desire to challenge their outdated beliefs and wipe the smug looks off their faces, I am bound by my position. As king, I possess veto power only in matters of war, and even then, the council's influence is not to be underestimated.

The weight of tradition and the council's resistance to change hung in the air, a palpable force that stifled progress and silenced dissenting voices. I knew that to challenge them would be to risk everything, and yet, a part of me yearned to break fre