"Your Majesty," Joseph III said, his voice carrying practiced formality that barely concealed his fury underneath. "Thank you for granting us an audience. We come seeking justice for a grievous wrong committed against House Meredith."
King Eric leaned back in his throne, one hand supporting his chin. "Justice. Define the wrong you believe requires royal intervention."
Joseph III's jaw clenched briefly before he found his composure again. "House Kaiser. Specifically, Jack Kaiser. The heir to Duke Alaric's holdings. He..." Joseph paused, as if the words physically pained him, "...murdered our son. Our only heir. And he delivered the boy's severed head to our home in a wooden box, presented by a butler and a child as if it were a gift, thanking us for hospitality."
Silence greeted the pronouncement.
Then King Eric laughed.
A genuine, belly-deep laugh that echoed off vaulted ceilings and made both Merediths' faces flush with humiliation.
