Daedric's gaze remained fixed on the sword in Hazel's hand. "Remove her from the palace immediately, and summon General Maddox," he commanded, his voice unyielding, eyes dark and unwavering as they settled on Hazel.
Hazel dropped her head in a show of deference, though her heart raced. "Please, Your Royal Highness," she pleaded this time. "Do not involve my father in this. I acted on my own accord—my father has no part in it." She kept her eyes cast downward, suppressing the fire of defiance within.
Daedric's expression remained unmoved, the cool detachment in his tone cutting like ice. "Follow the order, Commander Reuben," he repeated without sparing Hazel another glance.
"Yes, Your Highness," Reuben replied, stepping forward with a nod. He gestured for Hazel to follow him. All she had requested was a simple duel, but Daedric dismissed her with such cruel indifference.
