Chapter 342: The Game of Numbers
Lucian did not say anything to that at first.
He simply observed the Queen, his gaze steady and unreadable, taking in every nuance of her expression. The candlelight flickered across her face, casting shadows that seemed to deepen the lines of weariness she could not quite conceal.
Then he spoke.
"Do you truly think that is a wise decision, Your Majesty?" he asked, his voice carrying a note of careful consideration. "With the entire kingdom paying such close attention to the Selection, it seems rather... risky to impose such restrictions."
The Queen chuckled, the sound low and dismissive.
"This whole Selection is nothing more than a farce, Your Grace. You know that as well as I do. The kingdom only watches what the royal family wishes them to watch. They do not see the dates. They do not see the private moments, the conversations, the quiet exchanges that happen beyond their view."
She paused, her smile widening slightly.
