Though Ragnar's eyes remained fixed on Hairan, his words were directed to every single person there.
Several nobles who had openly supported Hairan suddenly looked deeply uneasy.
The soldiers and noble commanders loyal to Ragnar wasted no time.
At his order, swords slid free from sheaths throughout the chamber as armed men began advancing toward the dais.
Hairan's expression twisted with fury.
"You would choose the word of a rotten bastard over your rightful king?" he spat as he pulled out his own sword. "I would rather die than allow any of you to lay a hand on me."
Hairan slashed toward the nearest man with enough force to drive him backward immediately. The others hesitated for only a second before circling wider around him.
Unlike his mother, Hairan still possessed enough control to be dangerous.
Meanwhile, Laheir offered no resistance at all when one of them seized him roughly and forced his arms behind his back.
