"I agree. My father was a righteous warrior. One who, if he were to fall, deserved only to do so in battle."
Ixion looked taken aback, then shouted:
"Someone agrees with me on something?! Truly! The Artoris line is one of my most loyal followers! Even if there's only one of you left, you still uphold your noble values!"
Reina sneered, but unlike Porter and Illium, she kept her cool.
"Just like my father, I've sworn an oath to these lands."
Reina stepped forward, clad in silver armor lined with gold trim. She'd purposefully worn no helmet so her face could be seen.
Ixion cheered and clapped, then turned to the spectators.
"So noble! Do you see that, my people?! Look at how faithfully the last heir of Artois serves me! Take notes!"
A bright, unrestrained peal of laughter burst from Ixion.
Reina ground her teeth and clenched her jaw as she placed a hand on the pommel of her sheathed blade.
***
'How dare this foolish king mock my family? The very man who took them all away.'
