{Third Person}
Silence pressed heavily against the hall as all eyes rested on Alexander.
He did not try to make any move to bow. Instead, he lifted his gaze to meet his father's directly.
"No."
The single word rang out with finality.
A ripple of tension swept through the hall as Lysandra's lips parted in disbelief. "You—"
Alexander did not look at her. His attention remained on the King. "The head I brought here belongs to the prison guard leader," he said calmly, pausing for a moment.
"He carried out an order." His gaze shifted slightly. Not fully to the Queen, but enough. "To whip the political bride to the brink of death."
The hall descended into stunned silence. Even the servants forgot to breathe. Then, Sebastian's expression gradually shifted as his gaze turned towards Lysandra.
"What is he saying?" His voice was no longer controlled, but dangerous.
