His fingers clenched slowly at his sides. "Who gets punished for protecting a member of his house?"
The question hung in the air. Edmond nodded once. "You could have reported the matter to me." His voice remained calm. "Instead of attacking him yourself."
Newton's mouth closed. No answer came.
Inside his chest anger burned fiercely.He had always believed his father to be the most just man in the North. A just judge and ruler.
A man who weighed every matter carefully. But this decision, from every angle, felt wrong, unfair, and cruel.
Still Newton said nothing. The hall watched him carefully. Some councilors expected him to argue. Others expected him to protest the ruling. But Newton remained still.
His anger did not disappear. It remained there. Burning quietly behind his eyes. Yet he would not dishonor the man on the throne. Not the man who had raised him.
Slowly Newton lowered his head again. Then he bowed deeply. "As my Warden pleases.".The words left his mouth calmly. But inside his chest something cracked.
Queen Friya rose slowly from her seat. The movement alone pulled every eye in the chamber toward her.
Her chair scraped lightly against the stone floor. The sound seemed louder than it should have been.
She did not rush her words. "He struck a future king." Her voice rang across the hall. Her gaze moved toward Newton like a blade. "He should not live."
She took one step forward. "He should die."
The hall shifted uneasily. Several councilors exchanged glances. A few leaned closer to whisper to one another.
But Edmond did not move. He remained seated on the Ice Throne. His hands rested calmly on the frozen arms of the chair.
Slowly he turned his head toward her. "I am the Warden." The words carried quiet authority. "This is not Kings' City where your husband decides justice."
His eyes hardened slightly. "Nor is this Ashford where your father slaughters his wedding guests."
A ripple passed through the hall. Edmond's voice remained steady. "This is the North." His gaze locked with hers. "And here, justice reigns."
Queen Freya's face tightened. Her chin lifted slightly. "I will remember these disrespectful words," she said coldly. Her eyes held his. "When the time comes."
The warning hung in the air.
Then she continued. "If you will not give the right verdict because he is your bastard…" Her gaze flicked toward Newton again. "…then my husband will give it."
She turned sharply. Her cloak swung behind her as she began walking toward the doors.
Then she stopped. Slowly she turned back. Her eyes burned now. "The battle is not over."
Her voice lowered into a promise. "I will not rest until the bastard's head leaves his neck."
The hall fell completely silent. Then she walked away. Her footsteps echoed across the chamber.
Ryli rose immediately and followed her. His bruised face remained stiff with anger as he passed through the hall behind his mother.
The doors opened. Then closed again. The moment they disappeared, the room erupted into murmurs.
Councilors leaned toward each other. Whispers filled the air. Edmond did not react. His face remained as still as the ice carved beneath him.
After a moment he lifted his hand slightly. "This council is dismissed."
The words cut through the noise instantly. Every councilor rose from their seat. They bowed toward the throne.
One by one they began leaving the chamber. Boots echoed. Cloaks brushed against the floor. Soon the long hall emptied. Until only two figures remained.
Edmond Woodland. And Newton Ice.
The silence returned. Edmond studied his son. Newton still stood in the center of the hall. His posture remained straight. But disappointment lingered in his eyes.
Edmond saw it clearly. "I know you think of me as unfair."
Newton slowly lifted his head. Their eyes met. "What I think does not matter." His voice carried restraint. "You always have your reasons."
Edmond nodded slowly. "You are not going to the monastery because you hit the prince."
Newton blinked.
Edmond leaned slightly forward on the throne. "He deserved more than what you gave him."
Newton's brows furrowed. "Then why are you punishing me?" The question slipped out before he could stop it.
Edmond smiled faintly. "I am not sending you to the monastery as punishment."
Newton stared at him.
Edmond continued. "I am sending you there to represent our great house."
For a moment Newton simply stood there. The words sank in slowly.
Then he exhaled sharply. The tension that had clung to his shoulders eased. The disappointment that had clouded his eyes faded away.
"You should have simply requested."
A small smile appeared on his face.
Edmond chuckled softly. "I also want to use it as an opportunity to get the Rendells off your back."
Newton finally laughed. The sound echoed lightly through the empty hall. "Thank you, Dad."
The words came freely now. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Edmond. For a brief moment the Warden of the North returned the embrace.
Newton stepped back again. "I must start preparing for my departure."
Edmond nodded. "Yes."
Newton turned toward the door. But Edmond's voice stopped him again. "One more thing.".
Newton paused and looked back. "You must return here every Friday." Edmond's lips curved slightly. "I do not want to miss the opportunity of shaving your hair."
For a moment Newton stared at him. Then the meaning struck him. Their eyes met. Both of them burst into laughter.
"I will do that."
Edmond's smile faded slightly as he added another sentence. "And never allow anyone to see your hair."
The words came slower now.."Do you understand?"
Newton nodded immediately. "Yes, my lord." He bowed once more. Then he turned and walked toward the doors.
His footsteps echoed through the chamber until the doors finally closed behind him.
Edmond remained seated on the throne. He watched the empty doorway for a long moment. The smile had already faded from his face..His shoulders lowered slightly.
"I am sorry, Newton." The whisper barely left his lips. His gaze drifted toward the distant windows. "It is better for you to join the monastery. It is better for you and Sonia. "