Finally, he rose from his seat, his towering frame casting a shadow over the trembling girl. “I have heard your account,” he said solemnly. “I will speak to the others before making my judgment. You will remain here for now.”
Livia nodded, her head bowed low. Markus turned to Kaius, who had watched the entire exchange in silence. Without a word, the King gestured for him to follow as he strode out of the room, leaving Livia alone once more.
As the door closed behind them, Kaius glanced at his father. “What do you think?” he asked cautiously.
“She’s telling the truth,” Markus replied without hesitation, his voice low and firm. “Now we’ll see if the others are as honest, because I still can’t wrap my head around it; something is strange.”
--
King Markus took a moment to steady himself b
