The discussion died instantly.
Magnus stood firm. Even Kaelan looked surprised.
"Brother Magnus?" Kaelan asked. "You've always gotten along well with Sister Kiara. Why oppose this?"
Magnus looked at him steadily. "It's not about what you or I feel, Brother Kaelan. It's about what *she* feels."
He continued, voice calm but firm. "What would the title of Imperial Princess truly mean to her? Politically, she is already set to become the Duchess of Western Phoenix—her standing will rival any prince or princess, save for the Crown Prince. Moreover, if a title was what she wanted, she would have revealed her identity long ago. But she didn't."
The hall grew quiet.
"She only revealed the truth because she thought she was saying goodbye to her dead father."
Magnus shook his head slowly. "Can the title return the lives she lost? Can it bring back Ignis? Can it bring back Noah?"
No one answered.
"Then do not insult her grief by pretending a title can heal it."
