The words fell into the hall like a coin into a well, small, calm, and suddenly very deep. Ludwig didn't shout. He didn't threaten. He offered. And the offer itself was more dangerous than any insult.
A taste of this power. A challenge against a challenge.
He saw the prince's eyes brighten, saw the audience stiffen again, saw the knights' hands tighten on hilts.
"Brother!" the third prince spoke.
It cut through the tension sharply, a voice that wasn't supposed to interfere. The Third Prince's tone carried urgency that didn't fit court etiquette. It was the first real crack in the performance.
It was sudden, too sudden. Never did Alex ever interfere with his older brother's business, but here, in front of the many people he interjected.
