"Apologies, brother, but I am not following. When did I resist arrest when no one came to the Jade Palace all night?"
There was a long silence that descended almost instantly after Ismael's remarks. Everyone studied the bafflement dominating the third prince's face, and to be honest, they were just as confused as him.
"What?" Ismael broke the silence with a scoff. "Come on. Every single one in this place knows the eighth prince is innocent and is simply being framed by the real pest corrupting our Maganti Empire!"
"With all due respect, Your Highness! Are you calling our crown prince a pest?! In this royal court?" yelled one of Joaquin's spokespeople automatically, as that was his job.
"Ha! Ha ha! Marquess, I didn't say it was the crown prince. How can you assume so quickly when no name is mentioned?" the marquess nearly choked as Ismael laughed almost maniacally, shuddering in fear when he met Joaquin's glare.
