Arthur leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady, his voice calm but firm as his words cut straight through the lingering politeness.
"Since we are speaking freely now, allow me to ask directly, Prince Edric," Arthur said, each word deliberate, letting it ring clearly across the grand hall. "Is Chronos prepared to accept the cancellation of the agreement and enter into a genuine alliance with Keldoria? Or does your kingdom intend to sever all ties… and engage in war?"
The atmosphere in the great hall instantly grew heavier. The question was not a threat—it was a challenge wrapped in calm diplomacy. A question that could not be answered lightly.
Prince Edric remained perfectly composed, but a faint glimmer flickered behind his eyes.
Lucien stood quietly at his side, though a brief tightness crossed his lips. He remembered all too well how their last encounter had gone. This was no simple provincial king they were dealing with.
