The three hours Lilith granted Gladia's kingdom felt less like mercy and more like a countdown. Still, no one spoke of it openly.
The moment the throne room meeting ended, nobles flooded into the council chambers like frightened birds seeking shelter from a storm.
Outside, the palace remained under heavy guard.
Inside, panic reigned. The former royal family had already been forgotten since their fate was effectively sealed.
For the first time in generations, the question before the Gladia nobility was not how to serve a king but who would replace one.
The discussion began immediately and loudly.
"This is impossible."
"We cannot appoint a king in three hours."
"We have no authority."
"We have no choice."
The arguments overlapped endlessly. Dukes shouted at marquises. Counts accused barons. Several elderly nobles looked moments away from collapsing from stress.
No one wanted responsibility. Because responsibility now came with a terrifying knife hanging above their heads.
