Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

"The accused will rise."

The trial that Lucius had been waiting for took two days to set up. For those two days he had been stuck in a damp dungeon cell with nothing to do. They were not trying very hard to keep him there because the cells themselves had no protections against Magic, Arts, or his mark. If anything, it felt like they were tempting him to break out.

Even if he did, he would be stopped rather quickly, but Lucius still felt like it was not a smart decision on their part. Still, he behaved and used the time to think about all the things he had experienced and learned over the last month.

None of their investigations had turned up much of anything about the source of this mysterious group. The only thing they had done was start identifying them as the 'Cult of Flames' because of their obsession with fire magic during the attack. No one knew what this 'throne' they talked about was either and no one had discovered anything.

Since Kalliope, Rena, or really anyone other than the person who delivered his meals could visit him, there was no way for him to know if anything had been learned since his orders. The two of them had come up with a decent plan to start additional investigations. If anything had managed to come up in the two days since, he would be unable to learn about it.

After the two day wait, he was taken to a large, circular chamber where a number of people were awaiting him. On the opposite side of the entrance was a set of three, long desks in a row. The first desk was elevated on a platform a few feet above the ground. Each desk after was another tier higher.

Sitting there was a group of men. Four at each desk for a total of twelve. Lucius figured this was the 'council' they constructed. None of the noblemen looked familiar to Lucius.

Around the circumference of the room was a number of seats for those viewing the trial. Among those seats were Lucius's friends and family as well as a number of nobles who he also did not recognize. Something he found odd was that Wally was present in the seats as well, sitting right next to Adellia and Lyrah.

He had been away from the capital for some time and Lucius was surprised to see him return just in time for this. Wally's face was frustrated and he appeared to be upset at the very concept of this farce. Yet, despite his frustration, he could not interfere with the rule of law.

Lucius rose as he was ordered and felt the eyes of everyone in the room turn to him. He continued to match the gazes of those presiding over the trial and ignored the rest.

"Lord Kane, have you ever faced trial in our kingdom in the past?"

"No"

"Then are you unaware of our legal processes?"

"No."

Lucius was painfully aware of them. He made sure to look them up at his father's request because he was aware that the possibility of running into legal troubles was high. Trials were reserved for members of nobility who were accused of crimes.

First, they would bring in witnesses to provide their evidence to the council and the audience members. After which they would finally bring in the accused to read them the charges they settled on, based on previous testimony. The accused could then attempt to defend themselves or explain their actions for the behavior. After all that, their sentencing would begin.

"Lord Lucius Kane from the House of Kane and Eroa, both our steadfast allies. You stand accused of several crimes. Namely you are charged with: Assault of an Officer of the Kingdom, Destruction of State Property, Interference with an Investigation, Destruction of Private Property, Assault Resulting in Injury, Refusing the Orders of an Officer of the Kingdom, and Incitement of Panic and Mayhem."

Lucius barely contained his laughter at the charges held against him. Not because they were false, but rather they were spot on.

"How do you plead to these charges?"

Lucius glanced around the room before settling on the council once more. "Guilty." Read exclusive chapters at empire

The room erupted into a series of murmuring and chatter. It quickly developed into a dull roar thanks to the echo generated by the room's domed ceiling. Sir Theos, who stood behind Lucius as insurance of his good behavior, stamped the butt of his hammer on the ground to cease the noise.

"What say you in defense of your actions? What reasoning could you possibly argue for behaving in such a destructive and dangerous manner within our city?"

All eyes fell upon the accused once again. Lucius stuck his lower lip out in quiet contemplation. The chains attached to the iron cuffs on his wrists rattled as he moved to scratch his chin.

"You know, I think it had something to do with the fact that the city was under attack and your own forces were useless." Lucius said calmly. "Just like in the war against Alorek, I took down the stronghold city of Alvora when you could not. I broke the siege against your own city, when you could not."

Lucius looked around the entire room before continuing, "If anything, the fact that you are putting me to trial is a joke among jokes. Though, I must say, if this is what you find funny, hire a new jester because I am not laughing... Instead of trying to put my head on a pike. You should thank me for ridding the city of vermin."

At the end of Lucius's speech, the people in the audience erupted into an uproar of angry shouts and demeaning comments. They hurled slurs of all kinds towards him based on his mark, his history, and his heritage. Lucius simply smiled at their antics because nothing they said refuted the facts he had laid bare before them.

"Silence!" One of the council members shouted. "Lucius Kane, is this your defense?"

"It is my explanation."

The councilmen sighed and slammed their gavels simultaneously on the desks in front of them. "Lord Kane, you may rest in a private chamber in the hall while we deliberate the information provided to us. Your family may wait with you. When the determination on how to handle you is made, we will call for you."

Lucius was led out of the room by Sir Theos and taken to a decently sized room with a number of fine leather chairs and velvet sofas. There seemed to be some basic refreshments in the form of tea and cakes as well.

His family and friends joined him shortly after, with Rena and Rubellia rushing to give him a hug. Adellia looked as though she wanted to join in, but refrained from doing so. They were still working on repairing their relationship and she did not want to force anything that Lucius did not want.