The Declaration – Part II

Femi

After the judgment, the mood in the arena slowly shifted. Though the air had once felt thick with dread, it began to lighten as the king returned to his throne, signaling the end of the formal proceedings.

Trumpets sounded softly from the east tower.

The festival was still on.

Despite the brutal reminder of what disloyalty could bring, most nobles exhaled in relief, clinging to the idea that justice had been served and the worst had passed. Laughter returned ...