Valerius stated, puffing his chest out, completely oblivious to the danger he was in. "The noble houses are already whispering. They question her legitimacy. They question your sanity. If you refuse to provide the Spire of Arcana with a formal, magical blood-resonance test to prove she carries our blood, the Senate will undoubtedly move to invalidate her claim to the Heirship!"
Valerius leaned forward, steepling his thick fingers, offering a sickeningly sweet, incredibly greedy smile.
"But we are your family, Kaelus," Valerius cooed. "We wish to protect the Duchy's reputation. We wish to save you from this political embarrassment. If you are truly desperate for an heir, there is no need to rely on a nobody."
He gestured vaguely toward the door.
