Alexander did not attend the council meeting.
It wasn't because he didn't want to. It wasn't because he didn't have the authority.
It was because Lucien needed to be seen alone.
Not abandoned.
Just… unshielded.
There was a difference.
Alexander watched from a side corridor through a narrow opening in the carved stone an old architectural detail few people noticed. He stood with two of his most trusted guards, dressed plainly enough not to draw attention.
The council chamber door was open just enough for him to hear.
Lucien's voice carried clearly.
Calm. Controlled. Warm.
And sharp as a knife.
Alexander felt something in his chest tighten not fear, not exactly.
Pride.
Lucien hadn't raised his voice. He hadn't thrown accusations. He hadn't demanded.
He'd simply spoken truth in a way that forced the room to respect it.
He'd turned questions into authority.
And Alexander watched the ministers shift uncomfortably as if the floor beneath them had moved.
Good.
