Alpheo forced himself awake, steeling his mind. This was the most delicate stretch of the conference , the moment that would decide with what he would walk away. He set his worries aside and turned his attention sharply to the Prince of Oizen, who rose with measured dignity to deliver his counter-terms.
"My lords and princes of this august gathering," Sorza began, his voice firm, carrying the cadence of one rehearsed to sound righteous even in the face of accusation. "The Crown of Oizen maintains that for peace to be genuine and lasting, justice must first be restored to its proper balance. Thus, on behalf of my realm, I place forward the following terms."
He raised a hand, ticking each point with deliberate emphasis:
