[Music recommendation: Secession Studios - A Final Hope]
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"Outrageous!" Queen Elara snapped in anger. "You cannot treat a queen like this simply because you belong to the High Council! There is protocol!"
Lucian shifted his cold gaze to her and said, "Your Majesty, respectfully," he said in a cold voice, "during an investigation, we do not allow suspects the opportunity to flee, which they often do. This is protocol. And I trust Her Majesty will not interfere with matters of the High Council."
His eyes moved to King Solan, who remained silent with a grim expression, offering no opposition.
Elara, increasingly agitated by how things were progressing, turned to her husband. "Your Majesty! Surely you must say something!"
King Solan's voice was low but firm, "I will speak when the time demands it. Let us observe how this unfolds, my queen." And Elara's protest died instantly.
