Chapter 141: A Crown Placed by Words
Lyria's POV
Baron Redwick shook his head, his expression tightening in clear disapproval as the King's declaration settled.
"There was never any doubt," he said, his voice low but firm, "that Your Highness would be made to participate in the competition."
Duke Thorncrest exhaled softly beside me, though there was nothing light in the sound this time.
"Of course there was not," he replied. "This—" he gestured faintly toward the scrying veil, where the King still stood in composed authority, "—is merely an exercise in preservation."
Baron Redwick glanced at him.
"Preservation?" he repeated.
"Of image," Duke Thorncrest clarified, his tone smooth, though edged with something sharper beneath. "The King presents this as though it were his decision—his authority—his command. It allows him to appear in control of the situation rather than… what he truly is."
"Which is?" Baron Redwick asked, though his expression suggested he already knew.
