Never had he imagined being called out for how he dressed to bed.
Ok, this was an old-fashioned society and all, but nothing other than his neck and collarbones showed, and he was a man.
'They are picking fights on purpose.'
That was Reis's conclusion. Why else would they act like he shown up naked when he clearly hadn't?
He was half right.
They didn't like him being in the trials. If it were up to this council, he'd have been exiled to somewhere else long ago.
In the eyes of veteran administrators, he was the prime example of what not to look for in a ruler.
But no matter how much they hated him,this attack was for a different cause entirely.
Only his collarbones showed. Just a bit of skin peeking out of the shirt that looked like it might slip.
And that was the problem.
For they could see their own children, their heirs, looking. Looking intently as sunlight bathed the snow white skin into a honey glow.
Even though they did try to hide their gaze, they barely could.
Only God knew.... never mind...anyone could tell what went on their minds as they refused to look away for a single moment, following the prince's every small movement, just hoping for the shirt to slip.
Ridiculous. Just Ridiculous.
These were the future council members. The future of the kingdom. Where was the integrity?
They didn't like how their younger generation turned into a flushed mess under the influence of this one person. At this rate, they might just hand the kingdom over just to catch a glimpse of more skin.
That creature was temptation made of flesh. A visual a man should not possess. Someone created to lead the kingdom astray. If only he hadn't shown up like that, it wouldn't be an issue.
Aldric, on the other hand, couldn't care less about the tomatoes at the council. "They aren't dressed for the occasion, but I see nothing inappropriate. The children aren't the most fond of mornings, so there's nothing I can possibly do to fix my immature children."
"But it's clearly wrong for a prince to present himself like that in a meeting!"
This time, Reis snapped, "Do I look like something put on a presentation to you? How dare you raise questions after disturbing my rest!?"
The counselor glared but couldn't fight back.
Perks of having a bad personality…you can act without consideration. And 'Ann' happened to have that kind of tenacity where he went all in to destroy those who hit a nerve. He knew he was dressed accordingly. Hell, even if he wasn't, what right did they have to question when the king saw no issues?
He wasn't a painting on display.
The nobles wanted to argue, say that it had to be done and whatnot, but his majesty the King didn't give them the chance.
"Regarding the selection," he spoke, "Am I on my deathbed?"
The room fell into silence.
"Do you think they will not be of age when the final selection is made? Or is it that you are intending to kill me?"
"Your Majesty! We are your servants; we would never—" The room erupted into a panic. Wish death upon the king? They could never.
Aldric raised his hand. "Are you all not aware of the customs of our land?"
No one answered.
"Was it I who made the selection that you ask me to reconsider? Tell me, by what right did you call for a meeting at dawn without even knowing the customs of the kingdom?"
The immature children in question stifled their laughter. It was common knowledge in high society that the official palace meetings didn't start until the sun was high enough in the sky.
Otherwise, every discussion was a failed discussion.
"Your Majesty, we know we cannot question heaven's decision," an elderly noble who had remained silent so far spoke up, "But it is also true that the heirs must be worthy of the position."
'I'm unworthy, disqualify me!'
|Achievement: Match your thinking with at least half of your family.|
"Isn't that what the council is supposed to do? To make them worthy?" Another silence followed the question. "I know it has been more than a century since the last trials, but I'm sure there's no lack of information."
It was a sacred custom of Vidalia, no matter how irregularly it happened. All the nobles would know the rule.
"We do not have any control over the heavens' decision. It has deemed all of them worthy." Reis was almost stunned by how shamelessly the king lied. "You can only make it so that whatever it may be, the kingdom doesn't suffer."
The Trials were bestowed by the heavens. They held the right to make the final pick. Whining to the king was useless to begin with; otherwise, Reis would be the first to do so.
"I've handed the task over. Shaping them is the council's duty; don't force your tasks on me."
Read: I've raised my children and sent them to school. Now they are your problem. Train them, fail them. If the winner isn't good enough to rule, that's on you.
A virtual guilt trap. Price: zero. Effectiveness? Immediate. Vidalians, by nature, didn't like taking the blame.