King Rudra sat upon his throne while the ministers took their seats in their respective chairs.
Nervous glances were exchanged throughout the hall.
The Crown Prince hadn't arrived yet.
All of them shared the same unspoken question: Where is Crown Prince Rihaan?
It was unlike him to miss a meeting—especially after already being absent from the past few important ones.
"Now," the king began, exhaling sharply, "let us begin."
Beside him, Prince Vihaan occupied the Crown Prince's seat.
The sight sent a ripple of shock through the ministers, though none dared voice it. Not yet. Not before the king finished what he had summoned them here to say.
"I have summoned you all today to make a very important announcement."
Every man in the room swallowed hard, impatiently waiting for the king to continue.
"I have decided to hand over the position of Crown Prince to Prince Vihaan."
Gasps, whispers, and murmurs immediately spread across the hall.
Change the Crown Prince—now?
