The grand hall was silent, cold despite the warm torchlight flickering across the polished marble. The Queen knelt on the floor, her robes pooling around her like a defeated banner. Her forehead touched the stone, her shoulders drawn in submission.
The King stood at the far end of the chamber, his voice thunderous with fury.
"How could you allow such a disgrace to happen in your presence?" he demanded, his words echoing off the vaulted ceilings. "A scandal in the harem, in front of nobles, servants, and guests — and you stood there?"
The Queen did not look up. Her voice was soft but steady.
"Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness. The fault is mine. I accept full responsibility for everything that occurred."
The King's eyes burned with indignation.
"All this… over a car?" he scoffed. "Did the Crown Princess have to behave with such cruelty? This was not a simple mishap. This was inhuman. To endanger a royal child—an unborn prince—is an unthinkable act."
He turned, pacing.
