Lucas then said calmly, "I would like to ask a question."
The Seer, standing with her hands gently folded before her, tilted her head slightly and nodded. "Then ask."
Lucas took a quiet breath, knowing what he was about to say was dangerous, but he wasn't the kind to shy away from difficult truths.
"Do you have a hand in the poisoning of Prince Darius?"
The chamber went completely still. The Seer didn't answer immediately. Her golden eyes narrowed, not in rage, but in icy disapproval. Lucas could tell she didn't expect such boldness.
"That's a bold accusation," she said, her voice even but carrying an edge beneath the calm. "Careful, young Alden… truth and death are often separated by a single breath."
Lucas didn't flinch. He held her gaze, steady. "I didn't accuse you," he said coolly. "I asked a question."
