As the Captain's men led them away, a sense of relief washed over Vaelorian. It was finally over. The Duke would face justice, and the people of the empire would be safe from his depraved actions. But as they walked, Riven's hand brushed against his, their fingers intertwining in a subtle gesture of support. Vaelorian's heart skipped a beat as he glanced at Riven.
"Do you want to ditch them?" Riven's voice, a soft whisper, spoke directly into Vaelorian's mind.
The older boy just chuckled, shaking his head. "I would love to, but I can't teleport in front of the guards, my love." He rubbed his hand against the younger boy's, a subtle gesture that made Riven groan in annoyance.
"Ugh! This sucks! Does that mean we're going to sit for hours before reaching the palace?"
"Yes, we are, but don't worry," Vaelorian replied, winking at him. "I'll make it worthwhile." Riven tried to keep his expression normal as they got into the carriage, a faint blush creeping up his neck.
Riven's hand, smaller and slender, slipped into Vaelorian's in the quiet of the carriage. The simple touch sent a jolt through Vaelorian, a shock of relief and something else entirely—a deeper current that had been building up for months since they've been apart. Vaelorian squeezed Riven's hand, his thumb tracing a slow, steady circle on the back of Riven's knuckles.
"Hours, huh?" Riven's voice was a low murmur, a sound meant only for Vaelorian. "I suppose we'll have to find a way to pass the time." His eyes, dark and knowing, held Vaelorian's gaze. The casual flirtation was a stark contrast to the danger they'd just walked away from, the familiar feeling made Vaelorian sighed in relief even as it set his pulse racing.
"Indeed," Vaelorian replied, his voice a husky whisper. The scent of rain and old leather filled the carriage, a comfortingly ordinary smell after the suffocating tension of the Duke's study. "Perhaps we can discuss the finer points of public justice versus a more… personal brand of vengeance." He leaned closer, his free hand settling on Riven's thigh, the weight both a comfort and a silent claim.
Riven's breath hitched, a faint flush rising on his cheeks. "Oh?" he purred, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "And what does your personal brand of vengeance entail, Your Highness?"
Vaelorian's smile was all teeth, a flash of pure, dangerous charm. "Patience, my love." he whispered, his lips brushing against Riven's ear. "The night is young, and the Imperial Palace has many chambers and hidden tunnels. Plenty of places to show you what I mean."
The carriage swayed, a gentle rhythm on the cobblestone road, carrying them away from the wreckage of the Duke's life and toward the unknown. The guards rode behind in silence, unaware of the silent storm brewing between the two boys in front. To them, Vaelorian was the dutiful crown prince, returning home after a successful mission. They had no idea of the power he held, or the powerful boy who held his heart.
After hours on the road, the royal carriage finally rattled through the grand gates of the Imperial Palace, the guards' escorting maintained serious expressions, a proof of the mission's importance. Vaelorian and Riven stepped out into the crisp evening air, the massive stone walls of the palace a familiar sight. They were immediately met by Captain Harris, who, after a quick exchange with his men, handed the sealed confession to a waiting court official.
"His Majesty is expecting you in the Grand Hall," the official said, his voice deferential but urgent. "The assembly has already gathered."
Vaelorian nodded, a grim determination setting his jaw. The walk to the Grand Hall felt longer than usual. The grand tapestries and polished marble floors seemed to mock the dirty, hidden crimes they had uncovered. As they approached, the murmur of a large crowd grew into a low buzz.
They entered the vast hall, a sea of nobles and officials parting for them. At the front, on a raised dais, sat Emperor, Vaelorian's father. He was surrounded by his court officials, his face a mask of stone. On his knees before the Emperor, held by two guards, was Duke Morwyn. The once-proud Duke was now a pale, trembling shadow of his former self.
"Welcome back my son," Emperor Darius's voice boomed, carrying through the silent hall. "Is it true? Does this written confession prove the treachery of Duke Morwyn?"
Vaelorian knelt before his father, Riven at his side. "Yes, Father. The confession is complete. It details his entire operation, from the very beginning. This is an undeniable, proof to everything Riven discovered, father."
The Emperor's gaze, sharp and cold, swept from Vaelorian to Riven, then settled on the Duke. "Morwyn," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "you have betrayed the crown and the very people you swore to protect. Your actions are an affront to the elders and a stain upon the empire."
The Duke stammered, "Your Majesty, I... I was forced! They..." He pointed a shaking finger at Vaelorian and Riven.
The Emperor didn't even flinch. He gave a sharp nod to the official, who unrolled a long scroll. "Hear ye, hear ye!" the official's voice rang out, "By the authority of Emperor Darius, Duke Morwyn is stripped of all titles, lands, and wealth. His name shall be struck from all records and his lineage cast out as one of the great houses. He shall be paraded through the streets of the capital for three days, his crimes announced to all, before being publicly executed at dawn on the fourth day."
A collective gasp echoed through the Grand Hall. A public execution was a rare and severe punishment, reserved for the most heinous crimes, especially for a member of a great house. The Duke's face went from pale to ashen. His mouth opened, but no sound came out.
The Emperor stood, his voice thundering with authority. "Let this be a lesson to all. No one, regardless of rank or station, is above the law. The empire will not tolerate those who prey on the weak and innocent."
Everyone present bowed after hearing the emperor's words and Vaelorian felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. The anger he had harbored for so long over this issue finally found its release. Justice was swift and absolute. Riven, standing beside him, brushed his hand against the older boy in a silent show of victory. The Duke's public downfall was complete, a clear statement of the power of the empire—and of the people who had brought it about.