The room grew tense.
Accusation had been thrown, and the king's attention now focused solely on Julian, who remained calm, his expression still unchanging.
The Duke of Ethwer, sensing that he had successfully placed the bait, stood tall, awaiting the response from the crown.
Before Julian could respond to the accusations, a voice suddenly cut through the tension. It was Prince Ivan, the king's grandson, who had been sitting quietly up until now.
Ivan stood confidently and offered a slight bow toward the king.
"Your Majesty," Ivan began, his voice calm and calculated, "if I may..."
The king nodded at his grandson, acknowledging his desire to speak. The room fell silent in anticipation, as Ivan was not known to speak out often in the court.
He was usually a reserved figure, but the current atmosphere seemed to have stirred something within him.
