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It seems there is a delicate balance they try to maintain, between their own authority and how they should regard you. Unlike with the humans, you are more than just a sea monster to these people, but a legendary heroine miraculously returned. However you clearly have not returned in benevolence, in some time of need for them. So there is a mismatch between reverence and defiance. Such a daring stance to take with you however, as they know perhaps better than anyone living what you are capable of, as much as they owe their lives to you.
<span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-i">"We need not listen to this, bite his head off."</span></span> Faysal murmurs to you in low tones, though he hasn't been aquatic long enough to know words can carry on the water, that a few folks or at least the chamberlain could hear. You appreciate his honest brutality though.
In any case these people must really believe their king is divine, to oppose you like this. But, you know a simple way of settling the matter.
<span class="mu-b">"Why not find out for ourselves, who is fit to rule? A royal challenge then... I challenge King Idaios, for the crown of Atlantis!"</span> you proclaim with a devious fanged grin, jostling Faysal to remind him to display the crown in question.
A chorus of shocked gasps from the assembly, before a deadly silence befalls the great hall... and finally once your words truly settle in, the eruption of upset. Angry or offended yelling, jeers and ridicule, even thrown objects which the royal guards do their duty to attempt to restore order and regain control of the court. The chamberlain himself looks like you just stabbed him through the heart.
You wonder though, if this is such an upset because of how much you offended these folks, or because they fear the outcome.
<span class="mu-s">"-A-A-Absolutely out of the question! The goddess would never accept it, the council would never allow it! You have been lost to myth for too long, and ought to learn your place, before you come before our King like that with such insulting-"</span>
<span class="mu-r">"I accept."</span>
The waters of the entire great hall resonate with power, when finally the king speaks. Raising his hand to calm the court, although he had been stoic all this while... perhaps it was boredom really, as it wasn't until you mentioned a challenge did he so much as bat an eye. Now that you incited his attention though, he seems quite enlivened. Rising from his throne and bearing his kingly trident, there are some few who might still try to object to all this, like the chamberlain himself.
<span class="mu-r">"Queen Tanaloa, I accept."</span>
He affirms his statement and truly silences all dissent, with the benevolent smile of a pleased king.
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