Chapter 119: The Courtesy They Refuse to Keep
The chamber had not grown quieter.
If anything, the tension had settled more firmly into its corners, threading itself through every breath taken and every glance exchanged.
The fire still burned.
The ease that had once lingered—however briefly—had long since vanished.
Lucian's gaze remained fixed on Duke Thorncrest.
"Tell me," Lucian began, his voice calm—too calm, perhaps, "did you pause at all before acting?"
The question carried more weight than its simplicity suggested.
Thorncrest did not immediately respond.
Lucian took a step forward.
"Did you consider," he continued, "what your actions would mean for Lyria?"
"You dragged her into the light," Lucian said. "You placed her before the entire kingdom."
Still, Thorncrest said nothing.
Lucian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"And you did so," he added, "without a moment's hesitation."
Thorncrest's lips curved into a smile, but it was devoid of humour.
