Minister Andrew's expression stiffened.
His heart lurched as every gaze in the grand hall shifted toward him, including Queen Maye's.
"W-Well... I was away on... personal matters—"
"What a coincidence," Leonard interrupted evenly. "So was I."
A hush fell over the hall.
Beads of sweat formed on Minister Andrew's brow. His eyes flickered anxiously around the chamber, searching for someone—anyone—who might come to his defense.
No one spoke.
Leonard turned his gaze back to the queen.
"If my absence is sufficient grounds for suspicion," he said calmly, "then shouldn't Minister Andrew also stand trial, Your Majesty?"
The question hung in the air.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Their eyes met across the hall.
Behind Queen Maye's composed expression, Leonard could see the anger simmering beneath the surface, threatening to break through at any moment.
"Guards, seize him," one of the elder ministers ordered.
Without hesitation, the guards obeyed.
