Worse Than Death Itself

As deafening silence occupied the chamber for almost a minute, Rayan Varence rose from his seat. "I'm a bit tired. I will go and rest in my chamber," he said and slightly bowed before he started walking towards the door, not waiting for anyone to speak up. Once he left the chamber, Third Prince Saerus was the one who broke the silence.

"I know you don't like Rayan but he is not at fault, Hemeri," Saerus Varence calmly said, speaking up for his younger brother's sake. "No matter what my father and Rayan's mother did, it has nothing to do with Rayan. So, please be a bit considerate of him. I think he already went through a lot for something that is not his fault."

"I agree with Saerus," Second Prince Alanus chimed in. "I think you are too hard on Rayan."

Hemeri Van Hale looked at Owine as if he were waiting for him to say something too. However, Crown Prince Owine did not say anything and simply met his gaze as if he were waiting for him to speak instead.