Lennox's POV
My father turned his head away.
That was answer enough.
Louis clenched his fists. "You tried to kill Lennox," he said hoarsely. "You tried to kill our brother."
"He was in my way!" my father roared. "All of you were!"
A sound broke from Mother's throat. A soft, shattered sob. She covered her mouth, tears spilling down her face.
"I begged you to stop," she whispered. "I begged you."
My chest tightened, but I didn't look away from him.
"You used guards," I said. "You used maids. You paid them. You promised power and protection." My eyes burned.
Gasps echoed around the room.
Golden's jaw tightened. "So the orders came from you," he said coldly.
"Yes," my father spat. "From me."
The elders began murmuring, anger rising like a storm.
"That's treason."
"That's unforgivable."
"That's blood betrayal."
I lifted my hand, and the room fell silent again.
"Father. Mother," I said, my voice steady even though my chest ached, "you are both under arrest."
