King Frederick stepped forward once more, positioning himself firmly between the escalating confrontation, his expression carrying the calm, unshakable authority that had guided the kingdom through countless difficult decisions over the years. "Enough," he said sharply, his voice carrying easily across the tense ballroom, silencing the mounting argument instantly.
"This is Royal business," he repeated firmly, glancing meaningfully toward both Constance and Vivienne, his expression leaving absolutely no room for further challenge. "And it will remain exactly that until I decide otherwise."
Constance opened her mouth to protest once more, though something in Frederick's unwavering gaze silenced whatever objection she had been preparing to voice. Vivienne remained standing protectively beside her mother, though her earlier confidence had noticeably weakened under the weight of the king's firm, decisive authority.
Alexander remained standing quietly nearby, his earlier fury now replaced by calm, resolute determination, his attention shifting briefly toward the unconscious young woman still lying near the ballroom's edge, medical staff finally arriving to attend to her care.
Whatever secret connected this mysterious stranger to the royal family's carefully guarded lineage, whatever truth had provoked such an intense, public confrontation between two of the kingdom's most powerful families, it was clear to everyone remaining in that ballroom that tonight's gala had permanently altered the delicate balance of power within Ashworth Palace's ancient walls.