Queen Selene entered the throne room, flanked by two rows of guards, both in front and behind her.
As they reached the throne area, half of the guards remained by the door while the others assumed their positions around the platform leading to her majestic throne.
Her watchful gaze scanned the room, settling on the six Crystalforge elders seated at the rectangular table before her. She nodded regally and spoke, "Since everyone is present, let us begin."
Then, Queen Selene turned her attention to one of the elders. "Elder Caz, how is the situation within the clan?" she asked.
Elder Caz, an elderly man with waist-length bluish hair locs and wearing a long grey robe, rose from his seat and replied, "My Queen, the Crystalforge clan is fully prepared for war. Depending on the responses we receive from the remaining five major clans, we will discern our allies from our opponents and act accordingly."
"And what about the artefact? Have you discovered any references to it in the Ancient Codex?" Queen Selene queried as her fingers lightly brushed against the unfamiliar fabric of the collar around her neck.
Elder Caz scrutinized the artefact adorning the Queen's neck, then he shook his head with a sense of resignation.
"I have examined the Ancient Codex, Your Majesty, but I found no reference to an artefact as dangerous as this, capable of suppressing and restraining the abilities of an individual at the Crystal King rank," he responded.
Queen Selene exhaled a sigh of disappointment at his words and gave a nod of understanding.
Her gaze shifted to another elder seated near Elder Caz. "Elder Auli, have you also investigated this artefact and found no information about it?" she asked.
Elder Auli, an extremely old woman, also adorned in a long, grey robe, stood up, bowed before Queen Selene, and then shook her head as she spoke, "I regret to inform you, Your Majesty, that we couldn't find any information regarding this artefact."
"In fact, if we were to make a guess, it's likely one of the lost artefacts. This would explain why no records exist, as it was likely lost before any documentation was created."
Lost artefacts were relics, imbued with powerful magic and significance, which had vanished during the 'Three Great Slaughters' that predated the establishment of the Prismerian Kingdom.
Consequently, these items had never been recorded in the Ancient Codex.
Queen Selene's expression furrowed at Elder Auli's words. While she had suspected it was a lost ancient artefact, the confirmation only complicated the situation further.
Nodding in understanding, Queen Selene motioned for Elder Auli to take her seat before addressing the assembly.
"Given that we have no other viable means to rid me of this troublesome artefact, I have reached a decision to visit the Princess of the Garden. Perhaps she possesses knowledge or abilities that could help me remove this artefact from my neck."
"My Queen, I believe entrusting such a sensitive matter to the Princess of the Garden would be unwise," cautioned one of the elders.
"Elder Cailan is correct, Your Majesty. We have no knowledge of the Princess of the Garden's allegiance, so suggesting such an action might not be in our best interests," echoed another.
Numerous objections were voiced by four elders who each expressed their concerns about the Queen's proposal.
"Silence!" Queen Selene's command echoed through the room, immediately quelling all voices. "The Princess of the Garden, along with the Guardians, has been safeguarding the garden for a span predating the very existence of the Prismerian Kingdom. Throughout that entire duration, she has never once meddled in our kingdom's affairs or the fate of our race."
"So, instead of speculating about her allegiance, let's hope that she will assist us in resolving this matter. If not, we may have to face the stark reality that the Crystalforge Clan's future is uncertain at best," she declared firmly, her gaze sweeping across the assembly. "Do any of you object to this?"
Resignedly or begrudgingly, some of the elders present nodded their heads in acknowledgement, understanding that the Princess of the Garden was their best hope for saving the Crystalforge Clan.
"My Queen, what about the foreigner? Why don't we consider asking him for help first? We could offer him gifts as a gesture of goodwill in exchange for his assistance. This approach might not only improve our relationship with him but also convey to him that..." Elder Hale began to make his suggestion, but Queen Selene cut him off.
"Elder Hale," Queen Selene interjected sharply, fixing her gaze on the elderly man who shared an appearance with the other council members but bore a reluctant expression on his face.
"Yes, my queen," Elder Hale responded, bowing his head apologetically.
"I hope that you understand that involving a foreigner, who came from outside the mountain and is now considered one of the strongest individuals in the Prismerian Kingdom, in our affairs not only exposes our vulnerability but also places us in a position where we might have to relinquish our authority to him at any moment."
"And this means yielding our control to someone about whom we have limited knowledge, and who has been here for only a few days. Now, Elder Hale, are you ready to cede your authority to a stranger?" Queen Selene's words cut through the air, her piercing gaze fixed on Elder Hale, and her voice conveying a frigid authority that resonated throughout the grand throne room.
Of course, she had no reservations about seeking Orion's assistance, as she had already formed a rudimentary understanding of the kind of man he was. She sensed that he harboured no ill intentions or malice toward them, especially considering his previous display of strength when he saved her and the royal family.
However, if she were to seek his help, it would be a measure of last resort, after exhausting all other options.
Additionally, she was well aware that Elder Hale appeared content with her current circumstances. Therefore, his proposal wasn't solely motivated by a desire to forge a relationship with Orion but rather stemmed from his fear that the Princess of the Garden might indeed possess the means to restore her strength.