"No! My sister did nothing wrong!" Idris's voice rang through the hall, breaking the heavy silence. The young boy had risen from his seat. "Please… don't do anything to my sister. It's true she did what she did to protect me, but I swear, she never hurt anyone."
"Idris, calm yourself," Raidan said gently.
"But, Your Majesty, my sister—"
Raidan raised a hand, silencing him before he could finish. "Enough. Sit down, child."
Idris lowered his head, biting back tears as he obeyed.
Casaio stepped forward once more, his expression solemn. "Idris has lived in the Blood Dominion since the day he was born was a captive and a bargaining chip," he said, his tone resonating through the chamber. "He is twelve years old now. That means over a decade has passed since Zilia was forced into this life since she was made to serve under them."
He paused, letting his words settle among the gathered council members.
