Abuchi's grin deepened, the kind of grin that only someone who had been wronged could wear. "I'm not lying, Eglon. And the only thing you've done is offend people you shouldn't have offended. Now you're about to find out exactly what that means."
The moment hung heavy in the air. King Eglon stood frozen as realization settled into his bones like ice.
The Crown Prince of Lionara.
His face twitched, then shifted into a forced smile as he stepped forward, trying to salvage whatever dignity he could grasp.
"Your Highness," Eglon said with a bow that didn't quite reach the ground. His voice shook, the words coming out too quickly. "Forgive this chaos. We had no idea you were involved. If there's anything I can do to—"
Somto said nothing. His boots hit the stone ground with calm, controlled power as he dismounted. His uniform was pristine, sharp with authority, the dark coat lined with silver trim that caught the sunlight. He didn't even spare Eglon a glance.
