Chapter 195: Feigning happiness.
"Your Majesty, who is this girl?" Minister Karon finally broke the silence, his voice cutting through the heavy air like a blade. He loved Araben so much and didn’t want to see his granddaughter so distressed. No one had seen the girl before, yet her features, elegant and composed, bore a striking resemblance to Alekin and Marianne Qowen. The resemblance alone raised questions that weighed on the chamber like stone.
The elder of House Qowen rose swiftly to his feet, his expression unreadable. He had spoken with the King about this matter a few days ago and had been waiting for this very moment.
"Minister Kalia, what do you mean by such a question? She is my granddaughter," he declared firmly. "And what His Majesty has done was necessary, to protect her until now."
Minister Kalia offered a courteous nod, but the tightness in his jaw betrayed his fury. This throne, in his mind, had always belonged to Dankin. The only male heir.
"What a lovely night," Rebedina interjected suddenly, her voice sweet as honey but sharp with intent. "Let’s not turn this into a quarrel. The King has his reasons." She cast a pointed glance at her father, urging him silently to remain calm, for now.
The King turned a piercing, venomous glare toward Rebedina. "Do I need you to defend my rule?" he snapped. "Know your place, woman. Speak only when it’s your time."
The room grew colder, the eerie silence thickening after the King’s rebuke of his brother’s wife. No one dared move.
But he wasn’t finished. His gaze shifted sharply to a nearby guard.
"Arrest Princess Araben," he commanded, voice low and brimming with wrath. "Take her to her chambers and see that she remains there until this feast is over. She dared to defy my will, questioning my judgment! I’ve watched her mistreat my daughter for far too long. But no more." He stepped forward, his presence towering. "This is my throne, my house. And I grant it only to those who are worthy."