"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.
