ID: 227

Outcome: Narrow Victory

Open After Story: Yes

Manual Prompt: Yes

Text:

With your aid, Sirshana restored the old kingdom. The title of "King" returned; "Sultan" was buried in dust.



Yet no sooner had you stepped into the Lapis Lazuli Hall than a council of the old nobility assembled, who had once risked their lives to shelter the exiled prince. Now, they believed, was the time to trade loyalty for power. Behind the throne, they built a small chamber with walls of pure gold. While Sirshana addressed the court and you stood by the throne, they whispered their commands from the shadows.



They opposed every counsel you gave. Your reforms stalled. Your appointments leaked before announcement. Your military investments were vetoed... You realized these aristocrats meant to make Sirshana a puppet in truth.... Had you not been there, they might have succeeded. But they had not accounted for you.



On a day when Sirshana rode out to hunt, leaving no king in the court, you struck. The royal guard stormed the golden chamber. Six nobles of the old blood died on the blades of their own king's men.



The poets of the old kingdom once sang of the Lapis Lazuli Palace: "Its floors drink noble blood, yet never stain." True enough. When Sirshana returned, the stones still gleamed blue as midnight.



The king was silent. These slain lords had been his staunchest defenders. They had cradled him as a babe, given him refuge, spilled their strength to keep him alive.



And yet he knew, without you, there would be no restoration. What you had given him outweighed them all



After that day, you and Sirshana scarcely spoke again. The kingdom stumbled forward along the old paths. Enemies multiplied, rebels and avengers rose like weeds. But in the Lapis Lazuli Palace, two rulers dared not meet each other's gaze.

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