Beneath The Divine Throne

Cardiff’s plan was to destroy Richard! A shattered hand would be the end of any runemaster, and with the amount of energy he was putting in even a grand priestess of the Church wouldn’t be able to heal him completely. There was a chance if he used a sacrifice, but that chance was minuscule!

Many of the nobles in the hall had already figured out Cardiff’s little scheme, but they smiled and observed silently. Only Nyris was concerned enough to speak up, “Richard, careful of his face.”

Cardiff looked towards the prince and smiled, “Your Highness, even someone of your status cannot interfere in a bet between two nobles. Please be careful not to harm your image.”

Nyris scoffed, “And I’m to learn about my image from a rat who’s trying to rig a bet in public?”

Cardiff’s expression warped at that ruthless response, but before he could defend himself Richard burst out in...