Jayden's POV
The weight crushing my chest intensified with each passing moment.
My father remained rigid in his throne, deliberately avoiding my gaze. A terrible thought gnawed at my mind. Did he actually think I was capable of killing Elder Ziva?
I stared down at the floor, my thoughts spinning wildly, when warm fingers suddenly intertwined with mine. Jasmine's touch.
Her grip was firm and reassuring, anchoring me when my world threatened to collapse. She squeezed gently.
"Jayden, I have faith in you," she murmured close to my ear. "Don't let them destroy you."
Her words ignited something inside me. The fog in my mind cleared, and the angry voices around us came flooding back.
I took a step forward, declaring once more, "I had nothing to do with Elder Ziva's death. I never encountered him after our final conversation."
An elder snarled, "Then explain this royal seal! It belongs to you, doesn't it? Or do you think we're all blind fools just because you're the king's blood?"
