"What will it be, Prince Edric?" Arthur asked, his voice calm yet cold, sharp as a drawn blade.
"Ally… or adversary?"
The grand hall once again held its breath. Every courtier and scribe dared not shift, as though any sound might break the delicate balance hanging in the air.
For Edric, it felt as though time slowed.
Before this meeting, the decision had already been made—or so he thought. He and his father, King Brandon Rivas, had discussed the matter in private council. Despite the insult of Arthur refusing to pay the agreed nine million gold, Chronos had no intention of starting a war with Keldoria, not under these circumstances. Brandon Rivas, though ambitious, was no fool.
It was Edric himself who had volunteered to accompany Lucien—not merely to deliver their intent, but to observe Arthur personally. To test him. To measure him.
To find his weaknesses.
His father had given him full authority to negotiate, but also a private mandate:
