Dominic didn't miss the way that the emotions in the King's eyes shifted when he saw the empty spots in the front row where the third and fifth Princes should have been standing.
"As you must all be aware by now, tragedy has befallen Cygnia in the last twenty-four hours. Not only one, but two strong contenders for the position of Heir Apparent were killed by foreign forces.
We have traced the source of these attacks back to the King of Dagos, and his advisor, known as the Archmage. That provocation cannot go unanswered.
But first, there are commendations to be made and Ranks to be reassigned."
A group of Palace servants stepped forward, and placed boxes in the hands of the Royal Family members who had been attacked. Then the King cleared his throat, and began to speak again.
"There are additional subjects who are due special consideration for their roles in the battle, and those announcements for the Commoners will be released in the near future along with the awards.
