He paused, letting the truth sink in.
"That is the nature of nobility. No single house, no matter how powerful, can decide the kingdom's future alone. Decisions about succession, about who will sit on the throne, must be weighed by all the peers of the realm. Dukes,marquise, counts, viscounts, and barons, all their voices form the body of the Great Council."
Garius folded his arms.
"Even if Kliatana is the sole heir by blood, bloodline alone does not crown a ruler. The council must approve. The nobles will weigh her character, her ability, her alliances, and whether she can bear the burden of ruling a kingdom."
"Understand this. Lineage gives the right to claim, but governance is secured only when the nobles acknowledge it. That is why the council cannot be ignored. That is why you must attend."
"This is also why I do not follow their laws in Armand,"
Garius continued, his voice steady.
