But Sirenyth, quick as a viper, caught his arm, her red nails digging into his flesh. Roen froze, his eyes wide with shock and fury at her sudden, sharp grip.
"Idiot!" Sirenyth hissed, her voice trembling with restrained fury, though her elegant demeanor remained intact. "She is the King's favorite! Do not dare to lay a hand on her, Roen! You would jeopardize everything!" She turned to Iryna, her eyes blazing with cold anger. "Iryna! You betray your own brother? Your own mother? You choose this… this barren bloodline over your own flesh?"
Iryna stood firm, her chin lifted, refusing to yield. "I choose the realm, Mother. I choose what is right."
The air crackled with unspoken threats. The court held its breath, waiting for the final word. And then, Queen Dowager Ysireth, who had remained silent through the entire chaotic exchange, spoke. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, but it was lethal, cutting through the noise like a honed blade.
