Chapter 27: Ultimatum
The next morning, the Crown Regent did not waste a single breath.
Inside the Royal Chancery, scribes were already assembling at long tables when Lancelot entered. He strode through the arched doorway flanked by his guards, Alicia at his side, and motioned for the heralds to stand by.
"Bring out the proclamation forms," Lancelot ordered.
"Yes, Your Highness," the lead scribe replied, already unrolling fresh parchment and preparing the ink.
Lancelot moved to the center dais. There, he began dictating—his voice steady, firm, and without hesitation. He knew what was at stake. The nation was a tinderbox, and any hesitation now would be taken as weakness. He needed to speak not just with authority—but finality.
"This is to be issued under the Seal of the Crown Regent. Let every noble house, ecclesiastical office, and city council receive a copy within seventy-two hours."
He looked at Alicia. "Send it by rider and by print. I want it nailed on cathedral doors, posted at every town square, and read aloud at market hours."
Then he turned back to the scribes and began.
"To the assembled members of the noble and clerical coalition, and to all subjects of the Crown of Aragon," he declared.
"There has been enough silence. Enough whispers. Enough stirring of banners and veiled threats behind the shield of tradition. So let this be made plain."
"I, Lancelot of Aragon, by the authority vested in me as Crown Regent and rightful heir to the throne, issue the following ultimatum."