King Edward shook his head. "I thought as much. You utterly shame me. Not just me but our entire line. You think this kind of behaviour makes you fit to rule one day?"
Leo rubbed the back of his nape and sent a quick, pleading look at his mother.
Spineless coward, Violet thought in disgust. You really need your mama to fight your battles for you?
Queen Celia rose from her chair in a desperate last attempt. "My lord, it sounds like just a youthful indiscretion. A moment of weakness, like all men have. Surely there's no need for harsh punishment for our son. Moreover, how do we even know for sure this girl is even with child-"
"Open your goddamn eyes, woman!" King Edward bellowed. "Stop making excuses for the lad! If you hadn't always spoiled him so, we wouldn't be in this mess! You can't constantly be coming down hard on your courtiers for unchaste behaviour, only to look away now when it's your own son involved!"
