'Don't Stop on My Account'

A hush rippled through the surrounding nobles as the argument escalated, drawing more attention than either duke seemed to care about.

Whispers passed between finely dressed aristocrats, their eyes flickering between the dueling fathers and sons, some in fascination, others in unease.

Few dared to intervene, but the sheer audacity of the exchange had all but turned the heated conversation into the evening's entertainment.

"You are being disrespectful to this event, father."

Alaric sneered, his sharp gaze flickering with contempt. "You speak of disrespect, boy?" he said, his voice dripping with scorn as he turned on Lucius. "You have the gall to lecture me on propriety? After everything you've done?"