Moriador. Capital of Airantis.
From the highest floor of the Tower of Crownspire, King Valanorath Zarionel looked down past the outer walls. The figures below were distant, but the weight of their presence reached him. Though their shouts didn't travel clearly to his ears, their message was unmistakable.
"Kill the traitor."
The people's hatred toward the Sedron Empire was deep and long-standing. For Marquess Caesor Vicorra to be accused of aiding Sedron against their own country was beyond what they would tolerate.
With a weary sigh the king turned his back against the window and strode back to his position in the high chair at the center.
Chancellor Peranorath Varethion sat to the king's right, arranging the papers that would be used for official record.
The room itself was wide, lit by tall windows on the right wall and braziers set between carved stone pillars. The king's seat rested on a raised dais. To either side of him, the jury members sat in two curved rows, each row lower than the throne but high enough to overlook the rest of the room.
Behind them, benches had been placed for other nobles permitted to attend. The highest ranks sat closer, with minor lords toward the rear. Moses Vicorra sat there with Sarvos Ortega beside him, close enough to watch the jury but separated from their circle.
Today would bring an end to this matter, one way or another.
"Well, I certainly did not take Herrara for the unpunctual type," Duke Hadethon Dawnforge remarked from a seat in the left row.
There was a moment of silence before Montaro Ignacio, seated on the right, responded with a dismissive tone.
"You should be the last to speak about punctuality."
Hadethon leaned back in his chair, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "I'm never late, Ignacio. My timing is always deliberate. An entrance should capture attention. Something you constantly seem to miss."
"Tsk. Why are you even here? Not like you attended the previous meetings."
The two exchanged glances, the brief tension almost suffocating. Yet, Hadethon's tone remained light. "At first, I came to the capital simply as a father checking in on his daughter. I wanted to make sure her transition into the Consort's Induction was without complications."
The Consort's Induction was a process aimed at preparing women for engagement with the royal family, a significant step for Hadethon's first daughter, Adarynn Dawnforge, who was set to marry the first prince.
"However," Hadethon added, the duke's tone shifting to one of mild interest, "when I learned that a marquess had been arrested—Caesor Vicorra, of all people—I thought, well, such a dramatic event deserves a witness, don't you think?"
"What about you, Ignacio?" Hadethon glanced over at the silent Montaro. "Is my presence a problem?"
Montaro didn't respond directly. He only gave a dismissive 'tsk'.
High Inquisitor Magireth's words cut through the slight tension. "How could it be a problem, Duke of Riviera?" he asked, his gaze shifting toward Hadethon. "I am only wondering why we still bother with these hearings. All evidence points against Caesor. Even his son has failed to provide anything useful in his defense. It seems we are only wasting the council's time."
Magireth's eyes shifted toward the benches behind the jury.
"Neither of Vicorra's other sons has answered the crown's summons. Their absence speaks volumes about their confidence in their father's innocence." Elariel Avaloren, the Legate of Light remarked.
The tension in the room grew.
"Perhaps they already know the outcome and fled," Magireth added, his words settling as he drew back in his seat, almost as though declaring his case settled.
Moses clenched his teeth but his face remained unreadable. He kept his attention fixed firmly ahead, refusing to let his emotions show.
Lord High Justiciar Jerelorath Thalorien adjusted in his seat, his weathered face reflecting careful consideration. "The absence of key witnesses does complicate matters, though we must be cautious about drawing conclusions from what might be circumstance rather than admission."
Chancellor Varethion looked up from his documents. "Your Majesty, the crowd's restlessness grows more pronounced with each passing hour. Perhaps we should proceed with what evidence we possess rather than delay further."
Sarvos Ortega remained still, his posture slightly forward, his hands folded neatly. He leaned toward Moses, offering a quiet gesture of reassurance before returning his focus to the king.
The moment has arrived. Sarvos could sense the king's unease, though the man hid it well behind his regal composure.
Valanorath's focus swept over the room, his eyes heavy with the weight of the decision. He took a slow, deliberate breath, then spoke, his tone steady and commanding.
"Very well," he said, the king's tone firm and unwavering. "If Lord Marshal Herrera does not arrive with substantial testimony, we will conclude this hearing."
The king paused, then turned his attention toward Lord High Justiciar Jerelorath Thalorien, his words carrying authority. "Lord Justiciar, what is the most suitable punishment for a crime of this magnitude? The punishment for the main culprit—execution and the stripping of his title, I presume?"
Before Jerelorath could respond, the doors to the room suddenly slammed open, their impact echoing throughout the room. The startled murmurs quickly shifted to sharp attention as a familiar figure strode in.
"Your Majesty, I beg your indulgence."
Heads turned as Jeriko Vicorra entered, his cloak flowing behind him. Sebastian, walking at his side, matched his pace, though the guards by the wall instinctively straightened, their hands brushing against the hilts of their weapons.
Sarvos's heart skipped for a moment. His jaw tightened, but his face remained smooth, betraying no emotion.
"How dare you interrupt—"
"Apologies, my lords," Jeriko said. "However, this man", he glanced briefly at Sebastian, "has something to confess. It may alter how you judge this case."
"Do you think you can just storm in here and-?"
Before Sarvos could further voice his objections, King Valanorath raised his hand, signaling for silence. The murmurs in the room died instantly, and all eyes turned to the king.
He regarded Jeriko with a cold but measured expression. Then, his gaze settled on Sebastian.
"Let him speak," Valanorath ordered calmly, his tone carrying through the sudden quiet.
Sebastian stepped forward, eyes scanning the faces before him. For a moment, his gaze locked with Sarvos's, an unspoken acknowledgment passing between them. Then he looked to the jury.
"I am Abbot Talir Sebastian and I want to confess the crime I committed two years ago." Sebastian started talking.
He explained how Sarvos, using his authority during the war, granted him access to copy Vicorra's cipher book.
Sebastian's account was brief but damning. He admitted to copying House Vicorra's cipher book under Sarvos Ortega's instruction, described how the information had been used, and revealed the nature of their relationship. Each word landed heavier than the last, drawing sharp glances among the jury.
Moses's grip tightened further on the bench, his knuckles turning white as he fought to keep his composure. His eyes, however, remained locked on the king.
Silence hung in the room for several breaths. Then the low hum of whispers spread through the hall.
Sarvos rose to his feet. "This man lies, Your Highness. I have no such relationship with him." His tone balanced on the edge of indignation and restraint, his expression aiming for disbelief.
Lord High Inquisitor Magireth's voice was cold, dismissive. "Indeed. Why should we believe this man's confession? It's just as likely that the Vicorras brought him here to make false statements."
"There is no proof of this," Elariel added.
The king's eyes remained on Sebastian, his expression unreadable.
Sarvos's expression had barely changed, his eyes holding to the king's as if daring him to respond. Then, from the far side of the hall, a voice rang out—
"I have the proof."
Heads turned toward the speaker, the ripple of attention breaking the murmur. A tense stillness settled over the room.
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Author's note: I feel the past few chapters were below par, though I'm not sure why. Any feedback or a brief review would be appreciated.