"High Patron Rich, please refrain from questioning the legitimacy of the nobility again. Their status and honor are recognized by the kingdom. As for the Holy Church's attack on the kingdom's noble armies, I hope you can present a plan for resolving the matter." Llane had no choice but to make his position clear. If he sided with the Holy Church, he would be denying his own legitimacy as king. After all, he had ascended the throne through his descent from Thoradin.
"My deepest apologies, Your Majesty, but I believe my subordinates did the right thing. In this matter, the Holy Church acted in accordance with its honor and duties. I have no reason to punish my subordinates over something that was wrong to begin with. If the nobles and the kingdom are dissatisfied, the Holy Church is ready for whatever retaliation you might bring. But let me make one thing clear: if you do that, the next time we arrest you, you won't simply be paraded through the streets. You will stand before the Judgment Hall."
Rich's icy words rang throughout the hall. The Holy Church now had popular support in the Stormwind Kingdom. With its strength, why would it fear a small country with fewer than five million people? We call you king as a courtesy. Without that courtesy, with the people behind us, you are nothing.
Llane and the assembled nobles were taken aback. They could not understand how a mere Holy Church could speak with such confidence.
Llane's expression abruptly changed, a shadow falling over his strong, approachable face. "High Patron Rich, do you realize what you are saying? Are you trying to betray the Stormwind Kingdom?"
Rich swept his gaze around the hall. "It is not we who would betray the Stormwind Kingdom. It is