Your Majesty, if I may."
Lord Septimus Vane rose from his seat, his calm voice cutting through the silence that had settled over the council chamber.
Every pair of eyes turned toward him. King Calister gave a slight nod.
"You may speak, Lord Septimus."
The northern lord inclined his head respectfully before facing the rest of the council.
"I do not believe Prince Enzo winning a duel is, by itself, enough reason to strip the Crown Prince of his title."
A few nobles exchanged glances.
Adrian finally lifted his eyes toward Septimus.
For the first time since the meeting had begun, someone was speaking in his favor.
Septimus continued.
"However, the office of Crown Prince carries responsibilities beyond strength. A future king must command respect, uphold the dignity of the throne, and place the kingdom before himself."
His gaze briefly shifted toward Adrian.
"Prince Adrian has failed in several of those duties."
