The accusations unfurled like a poison mist, each whisper sharpening into a blade. Voices rose and tangled, finding traction in the vacancy left by truth.
"He is the Grand Duke's son-in-law," one minister declared, as if pronouncing a verdict. The words landed with the weight of accusation, and heads turned like a flock sensing prey.
"He should have killed Hadrian to hide this fact," another sneered, voice honeyed with malice. "Lucky for us, Lord Leville's loyalty dragged this out into the light. Prince Leroy has smeared the goodwill of our merciful Emperor." A few courtier chuckles rippled like rats in the rafters.
"He wants to set the realm aflame. Like Hadrian, chaos is his trade. It was not an accident the Queen of Corvalith died. He must have planned it," piped someone else, face half-hidden behind a fan, eyes bright with the thrill of scandal.
