THE MOMENT
"The strongest sorceress of the age?" The evil duke glared at the servant. "You mean Raleigh the Hexforger?"
"Yes, my lord. The one and only," the servant nodded.
"Raleigh the Hexforger, still the highest marks from the magical academy, despite graduating 10 years ago?" The Duke stood and straightened his back to look down on the servant.
"Yes, my lord."
"Raleigh the Hexforger, who single-handedly slayed a dragon last Spring?" The Duke walked forward with stern, cold eyes, and the servant cowered.
"That's the one, my lo-." his agreement was interrupted by a sharp slap from the evil Duke.
"What the devil is wrong with you? Trying to grasp at straws for some semblance of 'good news'!? A 'commoner'! In what circumstances did you imagine me to be unaware of 'The Strongest Sorceress of the age!?? I dare say that's a bald-faced lie," he said, and made a gesture at the nearest guard. In moments, the servant was being dragged away.
"Find me a new servant who doesn't mince words!" he yelled at the remaining guards. They all nodded, and several of them departed instantly while some remained to keep guard.
"And bring me my son," he sighed as he resumed his seat on the throne, rubbing his temples. One more guard left as he wondered how to approach the subject. There was no chance of him getting the throne now, and it was best to prepare him with that knowledge earlier rather than later.