The royal courtroom was a magnificent expanse of authority, befitting the prestigious thrones of the Demon Realm's King and Queen. It served as the central avenue for court proceedings that required the King's justice and decision.
Needless to say, with the royal palace engulfed in a deadly onslaught of ice that threatened the peace and security of its capital city, Casca - this grave incident demanded immediate attention.
Two rows of velvet-lined chairs stretched in disciplined order along either side of the courtroom, reserved exclusively for the Order of the Council. The chair closest to the King's throne belonged to the Crown Prince, Zerath. The remaining chairs were arranged behind those of the council members.
Though Astaroth appeared in control of his emotions on the outside, his heart was thudding so fast as if it would break out of his chest. Seeing Zerath so calm and composed on his side simultaneously irked and unnerved him.
"Don't worry, son. Everything will be fine," Balam whispered in his ear as he patted his hand. "I'll handle it."
His mother, Xeraphine, however wasn't so forgiving toward her son. "You wouldn't have had to worry had you been careful in the first place. Why do you always disappoint us like this?"
His lips stretched into a thin line.
"Rise for the King, His Majesty Nefarion! Rise for the Queen, Her Majesty Veloria!" Two royal knights announced their arrival with their heads lowered in respect.
The grand double doors creaked open and the King and Queen entered the courtroom, their regal aura resonating with every step. Vivia studied the grandiose courtroom, hardly able to believe that it had been completely covered with ice only a short time ago.
The Ministry of Magic along with the royal knights of the Ministry of War and Defense worked tirelessly to unfreeze the palace. It was a humongous task ahead of them as Eurus's ice resisted both force and magic. Melting wasn't an option as the sheer volume would have triggered another catastrophe of a flood.
After much deliberation, Draconis and his seasoned aides decided to guide the ice through an enchanted passageway to the underground until a permanent solution could be found.
Vivia's focus returned to the present as everyone rose to welcome the King and Queen. She glanced at Nefarion, whom she had earlier encountered at the pavilion, but this was her first time seeing Queen Veloria. She had last heard of her in the courtyard a few days ago, when Doloros had been summoned to check on her.
Though the Queen's deep violet eyes pointedly swept across the courtroom, a sickly aura clung to her. Her black gown hung heavily on her light frame with the crimson embroidery sharp against her pale complexion. Vivia wondered about her illness that left her so fragile.
As they took their thrones, Nefarion cast a severe gaze across the courtroom.
"Captain Valtor."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Valtor stepped forward with a straightened posture.
"How is the situation at Casca?"
He knelt and bowed. "The citizens are safe, Your Majesty. My lord valiantly battled the ice tide and prevented it from invading Casca. There've been no fatalities, though minor accidents occurred during the chaotic evacuation. Casca's physicians are treating the injured, and we have assistance from Sir Doloros's disciples, Sir Kael and Sir Tarin."
"I see. Continue to monitor the situation and report any changes to me at once."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Valtor stepped back.
Nefarion sought similar updates from Gressil and Draconis on the state of the palace.
Draconis rose to address the court.
"Almost half of the palace is stable now, Your Majesty. The ice has been safely moved underground and my disciples are continuously working to assist the people in distress."
He cast a glance at Zerath and said, "My lord also helped us in melting some pockets of ice that weren't at risk of causing any danger."
Whispers hummed in the courtroom and questioning gazes fell upon Zerath. Vivia noticed the attention on him and a glint of puzzlement flashed in her eyes.
Why is everybody looking at Zerath so intently?
"My lord isn't supposed to be able to use magic."
Vivia looked surprised with Asmodea's whispered explanation to her, seated in front of her. She half-turned toward Vivia, her pink eyes glinting at her with amusement.
Vivia leaned in, whispering back. "Are you referring to the golden light from his sword?"
"Yes."
"Was that really magic?" She blinked.
Her eyes squinted with an enigmatic smile. "Who knows? Only my lord can answer that."
"I see. Since the Crown Prince isn't from a noble blood by birth, they think he shouldn't be able to use magic."
This time, Asmodea blinked. "Are you aware of my lord's adoption into the royal family?"
"Oh yes."
"Who told you?"
"The Crown Prince himself."
Asmodea's expression grew unreadable. "...Interesting."
More than the courtroom proceedings now, Vivia found herself more intrigued by Asmodea, especially that she initiated a conversation with a human. Like Nefarion, she had only seen Asmodea at the pavilion but never got the chance to speak with her - though she clearly remembered the small catfight between her and Malphas.
Vivia felt her piercing stare and coughed.
Why is she watching me so intently…?
Asmodea turned away, muttering under her breath, "This is going to be difficult…"
She quietly fanned her warm face.
Why is my heart pounding so erratically? Lady Asmodea is beautiful, but she is a demoness!
Gressil and Draconis resumed their seats, and Nefarion's sharp gaze found Vivia next. "Princess Clairette."
Vivia stood gracefully and dipped in a slight bow.
"You, the child and Astaroth were at the center of today's incident. The palace was frozen, Casca nearly fell in such peril and countless of my citizens were put at risk."
He spoke with such cold severity that the very air remained still at his commanding presence.
"This situation could have far-reaching repercussions on our realms' ties because this is something I cannot and will not ignore. Hence, I demand the truth. What caused the child to lose control of his magic and almost bring another eternal winter to my kingdom?"
Vivia remained unperturbed under Nefarion's mounting pressure.
"It was the Crown Prince's cousin who held Eurus hostage first. He hurt and strangled him, causing him immense pain," her eyelashes trembled, recalling Eurus's terror-stricken face.
"Yes, I stabbed him, but only because he provoked me with Eurus's safety. He didn't hesitate to hurt Sir Lucian either, who was only trying to stop him from going berserk."
That wench…
Astaroth balled his fist, small embers of fire threatening to ignite on his knuckles, but his mother sharply signaled him not to hold his protests.
"Eurus didn't lose control until young lord Astaroth burned my hand. By now, I believe this court must be aware of Eurus's past and his tragic separation from his mother. We don't know what he had witnessed back then, but…"
She met Nefarion's gaze head-on. "Young lord Astaroth only served to put him into that similar horrifying experience once again. Even though his emotional state is vulnerable, he didn't unleash his powers until the very end."
The aggravating burn marks marred on her wrist lifted the fog off the suspicions if any. Seated beside Asmodea, Gressil observed Vivia with his arched brows that studied her intently.
That's one gutsy human I must say. Standing in a courtroom of demons and facing His Majesty with a leveled gaze…
Nefarion studied her for a long moment before turning to Lucian next. "Do you agree with Princess Clairette's testimony?"
Standing near Zerath's seat, Lucian bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. The incident unfolded as Princess Clairette explained."
Nefarion's eyes narrowed at Astaroth. "What do you say in your defense, Astaroth?"
Astaroth sprang to his feet, throwing seething glares at Vivia's way.
"This would've never happened if my cousin wouldn't have given shelter to a criminal inside the royal palace!"
Zerath's expression remained unchanged.
"Your Majesty. Everybody knows that Nethermoor was my responsibility. I'm willing to forgive my cousin for overstepping my authority and making a fool out of me. But how can I forgive that he brought the very criminal in the palace I was trying to subdue for the longest time possible! Instead of throwing that cursed child into prison, he allowed him to live lavishly in the palace. That child has caused thousands of innocent demons to suffer and be displaced from their homes!"
"So young lord Astaroth thought he could take justice into his own hands and felt entitled to hurt Eurus and Princess Clairette over a matter, which was going to be heard by the Order anyway?" Zerath cast a dismal glance at Astaroth.
Astaroth clenched his jaw. "Cousin is the-"
"Address me with the proper title young lord, Astaroth," Zerath cut in coldly. "This is a formal court gathering."
A sudden hush settled over the court.
Astaroth stared at him, stunned and then let out a bitter laugh. "So you finally show your true colors, huh?"
"I never hid them in the first place. You simply need to be reminded who you're talking to. If you objected to my decision, you should've confronted me rather than harming the child and our guest."
A perilous smile curved Zerath's lips as his golden eyes looked anything but warm. "But evidently, young lord doesn't realize my standing as the Crown Prince. That's why you thought you could take charge of the matter as if you're the future King."