Chapter 9 - The King’s Judgment
The dawn broke over Aurelian, casting a soft golden light over a city that had narrowly escaped total destruction.
The fires in the lower district had been extinguished by the citizens working alongside the Silver Legion. Thousands of commoners, peasants, and city guards who had laid down their weapons now filled the massive courtyard before the High Palace.
King Robert sat upon the elevated marble throne in the outdoor courtyard, looking older and more tired than he ever had. Surrounding him were the lords of the four provinces, generals, and thousands of silent citizens.
In the center of the courtyard stood Prince Adrian, his arms bound in heavy iron chains, his leg hastily bandaged. He hung his head, unable to meet the eyes of the nobles who had once showered him with praise.
Beside him stood William and General Brandon. William was filthy, his clothes torn and stained with soot, but he stood tall, his eyes clear and unbowed.
"My lords," King Robert spoke, his voice heavy with profound sadness. "Yesterday, a competition was held to celebrate the pride of our kingdom. Instead, it exposed a rot that has festered at the very heart of my court."
The King stood up, taking off his heavy golden crown and holding it in his hands.
"I took this throne thirty years ago believing that strength alone could bring peace," Robert continued, looking down at his son, Adrian. "I turned a blind eye to my son's cruelty because I believed he had the strength to rule. I was wrong. Cruelty is not strength. It is the coward’s substitute for honor."
King Robert looked at Adrian. "Prince Adrian. You ordered the destruction of your own citizens, murdered your own officers, and sought to destroy the rightful bloodline of this realm to cover your own fear. You are hereby stripped of your title, your lands, and your right to the throne. You shall spend the remainder of your days in the northern prison towers, working the iron mines."
Adrian fell to his knees, weeping hysterically as two guards dragged him away toward the dark iron gates. No one in the crowd spoke for him. Not a single noble raised a voice in his defense.
King Robert then walked down the marble steps, holding the golden crown in his hands. He stopped in front of William.
The crowd held its collective breath.
"William Vance," King Robert said softly. "You showed the archer's eye yesterday. But last night, in the dark, when you chose mercy over vengeance, you showed the heart of a true king."
King Robert dropped to one knee before the ten-year-old boy.
"I am old, and my hands are stained with the mistakes of the past," the King declared, his voice carrying across the entire courtyard. "I name you, William Vance, as the rightful Prince of Aurelian and the sole heir to the realm. General Brandon shall serve as Regent until you come of age."
A quiet beat passed as the reality of the moment washed over the gathered thousands.
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Then, a single cheer broke out from the lower district citizens at the back of the courtyard. It was picked up by the soldiers, then the nobles, until the entire capital erupted into a deafening roar of pure, unfiltered joy.
"HAIL PRINCE WILLIAM! HAIL THE TRUE KING!"
