Dimitri
Everyone in the hall froze.
Even Mikhail was not expecting that announcement. His eyes went wide with surprise.
"You're what?!" Alexei exclaimed, shock and fear evident in his expression.
His chains rattled as he tried to stand up, but the guards pushed him back down roughly.
I looked at Alexei directly. My gaze was steady and unwavering. "I do not repeat myself, brother."
Mikhail stepped forward. His expression was confused and concerned.
"Dimitri," he said carefully. "Are you joking? This is not a matter to joke about."
He studied my face, searching for any sign that I was not serious.
"I am not joking," I said firmly. "I have never been more serious in my life."
The hall erupted with whispers. Guards were murmuring to each other, looking between
