[Don't read for now]
Tristan gingerly rubbed his bruised cheek, a fresh trickle of blood staining the handkerchief Alaric had given him. He glanced at Alaric and Carlton, trying to find the right words.
"So," Tristan began, his voice slightly muffled by the handkerchief pressed against his nose. "About Kastiel and Rowan...I know the situation with them seems...well, suspicious..." Tristan chooses his words carefully. "And I can see why Your Highness might suspect Duke Carlton's involvement. It's possible that what transpired was simply an unfortunate accident or unintentional negligence."
