It started with Richardus, as most unpleasant things in the imperial court tended to do.
"Your Highness," he said, his voice loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear.
He stepped forward with the measured confidence of a man who has been waiting for a specific moment and has recognized its arrival.
"The sun is descending. The hall has been standing for the better part of two hours. The court has obligations beyond waiting in a room for a man who, by all reasonable assessment, has not survived the task he was given."
He waited, letting that land before continuing.
"Perhaps it is time to acknowledge what the evidence before us suggests."
"The sun has not set," Milan said.
"Not yet," Richardus agreed pleasantly.
