A very heavy silence befell the room this time. Ellias wasn't the one astonished. Every man standing there was exchanging glances with their neighbor, unable to believe the Grand Princess's words. It explained her black dress, and her terrible temper that morning, but it was still a major blow.
For a long while, no one dared to address her, and many were wondering if the King would have the backbone to come up with another remark after that; of course, he didn't. Ellias fell loudly into his chair, looking as if he had been slapped, or unable to understand what had been said. Even the Royal Counselor was sending him worried glances.
Before this situation went on any longer, the Duke de Nova let out a faint sigh and very politely bowed in the Princess' direction again.
"My Lady, I apolo
