The silence in the throne room stretched as King Kendrick's words settled over the assembled leadership. Lord Chancellor Veros shifted uncomfortably, clearly calculating the political ramifications of the King's protective stance toward the Ashford boy.
"Your Majesty," Veros tried again, his diplomatic tone carefully measured, "I understand your concern for Student Ashford's wellbeing. However, House Ashford has been a pillar of the kingdom's military strength for six generations. Like. Captain Marcus Ashford. His cooperation is valuable, and circumventing his parental authority"
"Will be explained to him directly," King Kendrick interrupted, his voice carrying steel beneath the exhaustion. "I'll meet with Lord Ashford myself. As one father to another. He'll understand that his son needs time to process what happened before being pressured about service obligations or House expectations."
