"The decision of this council is as follows," Roman continued, his voice carrying the weight of imperial authority. "In consideration of both bloodline claims and the unprecedented nature of the situation, custody of Klaus Lionhart shall be divided."
Alexandra's breath caught. Divided custody was virtually unheard of in matters of bloodline inheritance—a solution so rarely implemented that many considered it merely theoretical.
"The physical recovery and care of Klaus Lionhart will remain under Lionhart supervision, here at the main estate," Roman declared, his eyes briefly meeting Reizhor's across the chamber. "However, the Beast Emperor shall be granted equal authority in all decisions regarding treatment protocols and healing approaches."
Murmurs rippled through the attendants at the chamber's edges. Reizhor's expression remained carefully neutral, though something flickered in his golden eyes—not quite satisfaction, not quite disappointment.
