The news spread faster than Lord Aureline had expected.
At first, it moved in whispers. In taverns, markets, and narrow streets, people leaned close to one another and spoke in low voices. They spoke of the late King George.
"He killed his own brother for the throne?" This news sent shock through everyone who heard it. For many generations, the fight for the throne had ended. It was a known fact that the first male son of the king would inherit the throne.
Although a few royal relatives tried to overturn the succession now and then, it was unheard of for a full brother to be killed for the throne.
Then the whispers grew louder.
Copies of the letters were read aloud in public places. The old guard was seen by trusted men, telling his story again and again, always the same, never changing his words. Those who had once doubted began to believe. Those who had been silent began to speak.
Anger followed belief.
"No wonder the gods rejected his son," someone said.
