"Thirty-seven blue… thirty-three red." the voice of the aides let out.
A hush fell so deep it felt like a veil dropped over the room.
Then the aide bowed. "Your Highness… by the nobles' votes, Prince Alexis has won."
A mix of reactions rippled across the hall, Some nobles nodded eagerly, relieved.
While others could only whisper their doubts under their breath.
And a handful could not hide their disappointment, their eyes drifting toward Ashen who still looked completely unbothered, as if the entire outcome had been prewritten in his mind.
Queen Sephora let out a shaky breath of victory, even though she was relieved that Ashen didn't become the crown prince. She still felt bad that it had been taken from Adam.
Rhynera's shoulders relaxed slightly, though her grip on Adam's arm remained tight.
But as murmurs began to rise, a noble finally stepped forward.
"Your Highness, forgive my boldness, but perhaps…" The king lifted a single hand.
