Father rubbed an exasperated hand over his bearded face, ignoring the growing tension in the room. “Henry, this is not the time, nor place for kingdom gossip,” he grunted. “Push those thoughts aside and let’s continue.”
“I can assure you this is no mere gossip, Father. Numerous citizens can attest to the things they have seen regarding our beloved Third Prince Xaden. If you do not believe me, I’d be more than happy to summon witnesses.”
It did not slip past me the way my eldest brother blatantly emphasized my status as third in line of succession.
Lately, that happened when he was keen to compete for authority.
“Xaden?” Father repeated with a furrow of his brows, darting his gaze over to me. His attention was piqued now that it came to my reputation amid my campaign for the throne. “W
