Dennis, the merchant, stood sweating before the throne, and Duke was visibly confused by Prince's hostility. "Do the numbers not make sense?" Duke said, his voice sharp. "What purpose do you have to argue with him over this proposal?"
Prince didn't shift his gaze from Dennis, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. "Because of his ring," he said coldly, pointing toward the oversized ornament on Dennis's finger.
"His ring?" Duke asked, narrowing his eyes in confusion as he glanced at the man's hand. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"My friend," Prince began with calm but undeniable authority, his gaze fixed on Dennis. "Tell me, do you have a wife at home?"
Dennis blinked, taken aback by the unexpected question. "No, I do not," he replied, hesitating.
"And children? Do you have children?" Prince pressed further, his tone unwavering.
The merchant grew more uncomfortable, stammering as he answered. "No... no, I do not."
