"Don't force my hand, boy," Ashreth muttered.
"It's you who forced mine, little birdie." Lucien replied in a mocking tone.
Ashreth's aura flared and heat rippled through the air. His voice rang out, loud enough for all to hear.
"I see. Since King Midas refuses to surrender the criminal, I will act myself!"
The crowd stirred. But before King Midas could move, Edric and Maxim stepped close to him and whispered something.
The king's eyes gleamed as he listened then he rose.
"Ashreth Vulcan," King Midas' voice cut through the uproar. "You parade yourself as the virtuous defender of truth yet you trample upon our honor as if our kingdom were your stage. If you truly believe Marquis Lucien is guilty of the crimes you claim... then let the skies be our witness. Face him in single combat. Let proof be written not in words or false visions but in steel and fire. If he falls, your accusations stand justified. But if he prevails…"
Midas' gaze sharpened.
