He looked around at the silent court.
"So why are we acting like helping her is just for me? Why can't you all see that it benefits us too?"
"He is right," the Minister of Works said, his voice soft but firm.
A few others in the room nodded slowly. Some did it out of agreement, others because they didn't want to say anything that would cause more trouble.
But Obinna didn't let it continue.
"Yes, it is true that part of the reason Father agreed to the engagement was because of Ruth being an only child," he said, cutting in quickly. "But now… she's no longer the princess of Purlit. Her father's reign is over."
His voice was low but clear.
"So the engagement cannot continue… not unless her father gets his throne back."
He closed his eyes for a moment, avoiding Abuchi's gaze.
He didn't want to look into his brother's disappointed face.
But he had made his decision.
And deep down, he knew it would hurt.
Still, he told himself there was no choice.
