"Yet for the sake of democracy, for a candidate, I will say a countdown from five. If you want me, rise up your right hand.
"5"
Some hands flew up immediately and he smiled.
"4...3..." His smile fell here when he realized it seemed no more hands would join those that were already up. He turned to his side and Gamama wasn't raising her hand, neither was Risa, Dek or Sunain.
"2...1..." Hurt glinted in his eyes for a moment then it was gone.
"0."
"Thank you." He waved his hand for them to know that voting for him was over.
He pressed down his hurt, close his eyes briefly and turned around to Giston.
"Well, since I ran indisputed, I guess I am..."
"For the Royal bloodline." Some one said from the crowd and raised a hand.
Jide shook his head and chuckled softly.
"That is not how it works. He didn't..."
"For the Royal Bloodline." Another said from the crowd, cutting him off. More and more voices and hands were raised for the Royal Bloodline.