Riftan's reaction sent a chill through Maxi. The only time he became frighteningly calm like this was when his anger was at a tipping point. She worried that he might launch himself at the duke.
Princess Agnes had so far stayed silent throughout the proceedings. She now cried out as though she could not contain herself any longer.
"What unreasonable demands! Sir Riftan is indisputably an honorable knight. He is the hero who risked his life to fight in the Dragon Campaign in your stead, Lord Croyso! If you were to make him stand before the tribunal, it would only earn you the ridicule of the whole continent."
The duke's face flushed crimson. He directed an icy glare at the princess and said, "That man entered my castle by stealth and assaulted me while I was unarmed. I doubt I would be the only one condemned…"
The duke's scheming eyes flew back to Riftan.