"That land was unclaimed territory filled with wild dungeons and monsters. No human settlement existed there. No roads. No infrastructure. No taxation. It was, by every definition, abandoned," Carlotta replied, her tone sharpening.
"My Lord chose to build where no one else dared to. That does not make it yours."
The prince could not hold himself any longer.
"You dare speak to my father in such a manner?" His voice cut through the room like a blade, loud and trembling with anger. He took a step forward, his hand moving toward his sword.
"You are a monster. A creature summoned from darkness. And you sit here, in our hall, and lecture us about what is and isn't ours?"
Several of the knights stiffened, their eyes darting between the prince and Carlotta.
The King's face went pale.
"Aldren," Desmond said sharply. "Stand down."
