"Proceed, Lord Marcus," Brittany said, her voice firm. "I am listening."
Lord Marcus took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with a strange intensity. "It has come to my attention, Your Highness," he began, his voice low and conspiratorial, "that there are those within the kingdom who question your legitimacy as heir to the throne."
Brittany's heart skipped a beat. She had always known that there were those who doubted her ability to rule, who clung to outdated traditions and patriarchal beliefs. But to hear it spoken so openly, so brazenly, sent a chill down her spine.
"And who might these individuals be?" she asked, her voice carefully controlled.
Lord Marcus's lips curled into a sly smile. "There are many, Your Highness," he replied. "Noble families who yearn for a return to the old ways, merchants who fear a woman's touch on the kingdom's coffers, and even common folk who whisper doubts in the taverns and marketplaces."
