Prince Alvin's chest burned with anger.
"I have already lowered myself as far as possible to appease Dorek," he said through clenched teeth. "Tell me, how much longer am I expected to flatter him? How many more humiliations must I endure before any of you admit that retreat has become surrender?"
The elders below remained silent.
None of them possessed an answer capable of changing the situation. Every political calculation they had once relied upon had been overturned by military force. Dorek's legions were outside the capital. Treasure-Rich Starfield had been erased. Even factions that had supported Alvin for years were secretly contacting his rival.
After a long silence, Alvin released a weary sigh.
"Very well. Issue the proclamation exactly as you suggested."
Not long afterward, an official document spread throughout the universe.
