Husband With Benefits-Chapter 893: Treason

"It seems we need to change the agenda of tonight’s meeting. We need to change it from opposing having Miss Arabelle as our future queen to asking Prince Rafael to step down as our ruler."

Victor’s words struck the room like a bolt of lightning. Rafael’s body stiffened as his mind raced. The other ministers, too, were caught off guard, exchanging surprised glances and murmurs.

Things had changed, yes, but to most of them, this wasn’t a concern that required urgent action. The issue of Arabelle Frost’s unfortunate lineage was still worrisonme, yes. While it raised questions, it wasn’t enough to immediately end her chances. After all, she might carry stained blood but she also carried the Frost name. And no one in their right mind would give that up.

Instead of creating a furor, it was better to present information to the public in a positive manner. That way, they would wait to see how the people reacted. Honestly though, they had noticed the sheer support both the prince’s had recevied from the people.

Victor Ignis, however, had never enjoyed the kind of popular support necessary to be a peaceful ruler. His bid for the throne might have been calculated, but without the trust of the people, his rule could never be as secure as Prince Rafael’s.

Suddenly, while everyone sat still in shocked silence, Rafe grinned," Victor, in your greed for the throne, you have forgotten one of the most improtant things. What did you say we are here for? Ahh, the matter about Arabelle Frost. Now Arabelle Frost-Ignis."

Victor’s expression shifted slightly, but his composure remained unruffled as he frowned at Rafael. "What are you suggesting, Your Highness?"

Rafael walked forward, his eyes never leaving Victor as he continued conversationally, "Before we move forward with any decisions, we first need to find out who leaked the news. We need to investigate, then punish them severely.

Victor scoffed then. "So now you want to punish someone for exposing the truth?. Do you see that my dear councillors? Is that really the kind of rule you intend to establish, your Highness?"

"It is not about the kind of rule but upholding the law. If this news was spread when Arabelle and I were not married, this could have been overlooked. But this time it’s about protecting the crown. According to the old laws, if any news could cause harm to the crown prince or his consort, care must be taken to ensure it is not leaked. If someone deliberately exposes such information, they are guilty of treason."

Victor’s expression faltered, and he stiffened as the full weight of Rafael’s words sank in. His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, he seemed to consider his next move carefully while Rafe continued," If I don’t punish treason, what kind of rule would I establish?"

Finally, he seemed to have thought of something and Victor defended," You would punish someone for exposing the truth, Prince Rafael? For speaking what should have been known? What kind of ruler would you be, ruling with such iron-handed measures? That kind of rule is not a peaceful monarchy but dictatorship."

Rafael’s smile still remained unconcerned. "A ruler who understands the value of loyalty, Victor. A ruler who knows the price of protecting the crown is not a dictator. If the truth is meant to be revealed, it should be done in a way that does not harm the kingdom. That is why we have laws. We do not simply expose the weaknesses of our rulers or consorts to the public for the sake of gossip or ambition. Which is what was done here."

Victor stilled, his breath catching in his throat. This was shaky ground. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him, knowing that any misstep could tip the scales in Rafael’s favor. He had to tread carefully now. Already, he could sense the shift in the room, the way the ministers were leaning ever so slightly in Rafael’s direction. They were still blinded by the prince’s charm, caught up in his words, his presence. How typical, Victor thought bitterly. They can’t see beyond their loyalty to this man.

He forced his voice to remain steady and began, "Fine then. If you want to punish the person who exposed the truth, we can set up an investigation committee to search for this individual. But what about the public opinion, Prince Rafael? What will the people think of this? Will they understand that instead of addressing their concerns and asking for their forgiveness for keeping such crucial truths hidden, you’re more focused on punishing the messenger? What message does that send?

Rafael grinned," People are not fools, Victor. Everyone understands the current political climate and the need for stability. They would be fools to doubt me or Arabelle based on these frivolous considerations when everyone knows Arabelle for her work in serving those in need. Both our actions have spoken louder than any words."

Victor clenched his teeth. Dam* it! He had never imagined that Rafael would turn the tables so skillfully, making the person who leaked the news the villain in the eyes of the peoplw. He had expected a back-and-forth, a debate, maybe even a challenge to the legitimacy of Arabelle’s position until she was forced to give up which woudl mean that Rafael would then be forced to give up the throne..

But instead, Rafael had framed the entire situation as a matter of protecting the stability of the throne and punishing those who would threaten it, which meant that if proven that he was the one behind the leak, he would be punished for treason.

Victor clenched his teeth, barely able to suppress his growing frustration. Dammit! He needed to do damage control now. First thing would be to make sure that he was not linked to this lean in any way. He cast a look at the three ministers with whom he had shared the information and his frustration multiplied. Those idiots were already breaking into a cold sweat out of fear. They could rat him out any minute.