Ball In Our Court

Lucinda stepped forward. For a moment, Laina had a glimmer of hope that the Royal Chancellor might be coming forward to speak well on her behalf. But she was disappointed. 

"Your Majesty, according to Kinshearth traditions, even if you choose to abdicate, you cannot possibly hand over the crown to Laina."

It felt like a slap on the face for Laina, but she did not let that bring her down. Change was often difficult. Changing a kingdom felt like an impossible task. But she was up for the challenge. 

"Then perhaps I should do what I should have done earlier. I will break the tradition and appoint Laina as the next Queen of Kinshearth," Ethan declared. 

The ministers were livid and so was the nobility. They were unwilling to accept the changes that were in the making. They were riled up. It was at this point, that someone shouts out a theory.

"She must have bewitched the King! Laina must have bewitched him!"