"Lower your blade," Elena commanded, her voice carrying absolute royal authority now as she remained firmly positioned between Logan and Garrick's advancing threat. "You have no legitimate standing to level any accusation within this chamber, Uncle. You attacked this palace without royal sanction, seized territory through open rebellion, and now stand before me having just confessed participation in murdering a sovereign king eighteen years ago."
Garrick hesitated, his blade still raised, though uncertainty flickered visibly across his expression now as the gathered witnesses, servants and nobles who had cautiously emerged from hiding throughout the chamber's periphery, watched this confrontation with growing, unmistakable attention.
"I act to protect this kingdom's legitimate succession
