10#10

10

She turned to the King, my uncle, who stood quietly behind her. "Issue a proclamation."

Thus, for the third instance that day, the King delivered a royal edict. My four brothers were deprived of their aristocratic status and reduced to ordinary citizens. Their offense? Misleading the monarchy, sullying the Harrington reputation, and breaching the confidence placed in them. They were transferred to the royal courts to await further sentencing.

Logan's mouth gaped in shock. He had spoken rashly, never imagining my mother would take such severe action. Now, his complexion was ashen, and his knees trembled beneath him.

His siblings were in no better condition. All four knelt simultaneously, their brows touching the frigid marble floor as perspiration trickled down their faces.

Jessica, too, was astounded. Without my brothers' backing, her entire position had disintegrated.