The private chamber was considerably smaller than the throne room, designed for intimate family discussions rather than grand ceremonies. Four people occupied the space—King Harold, Queen Eleanor, Princess Fedora, and Raze.
The atmosphere was thick with tension that made even breathing feel difficult.
Raze's mind flashed back to moments earlier, replaying the sequence of events that had led to this uncomfortable situation.
---
The throne room had fallen into shocked silence after Fedora's acceptance, a thousand nobles processing implications that would reshape the kingdom's future. King Harold had stood frozen for a long moment before finally finding his voice.
"I... accept this proposal," he'd said, the words seeming to cost him significant effort. "Princess Fedora is hereby betrothed to Count Raze Dragonheart, with formal engagement ceremony to be scheduled following appropriate preparations."
