RISSA POV
So let me get this straight," I said, pausing mid-step as I stared at Jafar, disbelief creeping into my voice. "Five kingdoms voted to dethrone Arianne and have sided with Azar—except us and Harald, I'm guessing?"
Jafar gave a slow nod in response, his expression unreadable. "You are correct."
I exhaled sharply, shaking my head as a smile spread across my face. "Very good then!" I declared with forced enthusiasm. "We are not going to vote to dethrone her and sign with Azar. That's just not going to happen. It would be preposterous if it did!" I chuckled lightly, already feeling a sense of relief. My mind began to ease, convinced this was all just political noise that would blow over soon.
But Jafar didn't laugh. He didn't even crack a smile. Instead, he remained quiet, his gaze fixed on the floor, his brow furrowed with a mix of guilt and—what was that? Regret?
