Solvane walked out with the seemingly quiet, refined man who appeared middle-aged—or perhaps slightly older. They made their way through the halls until they reached the massive doors of the council.
Solvane had been here many times before, but never as the center of attention. Today was different. For the first time in years, the seven Golden Aspers would sit at the same table—and all because of him.
He took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The sight inside nearly stole his courage: the regal, elegant Aspers gleaming in golden light. They looked like gods incarnate. For a moment, he almost turned and ran—but he forced himself to stay.
"This junior greets you, Seni—"
"Cut the crap, boy," a cold, mature voice interrupted. "I hear you don't possess a unique aspect. Why is that?"
Solvane froze. The voice was unmistakable; he had heard it before. She was Seraphine—the second female Asper of the kingdom. He couldn't remember the first, for some reason, but her presence alone sent a chill down his spine.
The voice came again, now tinged with mockery.
"Aubrean… is this truly your spawn? Or a fraud? How can your child be so weak? Or was this your plan—to lie to us about his bloodline and usurp the throne?" Her tone shifted, sharp and aggressive.
"Don't speak to the king like that," another Asper said with a chuckle. "We wouldn't want him to get cold feet."
"Can't even say a word? You must be humiliated… for the father of a god title."
"I see where the prince gets it from—he takes after his father."
Laughter echoed around the room, mocking and cruel.
The king, however, said nothing. His face remained unreadable, a mask of cold authority.
Solvane felt fear claw at him, cold sweat dripping onto the polished floor. Not because of his father's silence… but because the others dared mock him. His father was a man who could not be looked down upon. If anyone mocked him, they must possess power equal to his father's. That thought alone sent a shiver down Solvane's spine.
The murmurs died instantly as an old figure stepped into the room. Every single Golden Asper rose at once.
Solvane's heart skipped. He looked back, and his breath caught.
"It's him."