"The utter destruction of Soaring Bird City is a catastrophic loss for the kingdom. It is a stain on our honor that will be hard to wash away." Grand Duke Richard had one hand on his chest in a posture of prayerful solemnity.
"He is a traitor!" Grand Duke William's reflection in the mirror was visibly shaking with rage. "A viper we nurtured in our own house! This treachery must be punished with the utmost severity. We must do it to restore the kingdom's dignity, to protect the interests of our noble class, and to send a clear warning to the fence-sitters hiding in the shadows."
Compared to Richard, William's anger was far more personal.
He had the most to lose from the fall of Soaring Bird City; it was his faction that held the largest stake there. In fact, it was William who had directed his subordinate nobles to systematically sideline Torin in the first place.
King Harold watched the two Grand Dukes. They all knew the truth.
