Alaric's POV
The courtroom was crowded the next morning.
Arin and Katherine were seated on their thrones.
I stood at Arin's right, as always, the weight of the regent's chain still across my shoulders though my friend had returned.
Aidan, Marcus, and Carlden flanked the edges of the room.
It was the High Chancellor, an ancient man with a thin beard and sharper tongue, who stepped forward first.
"Your Majesty, forgive the boldness of this matter," he began, "But it is one of grave national concern. The council has deliberated, and we must bring it to the Emperor's attention."
Arin inclined his head. "Speak."
The Chancellor glanced at me, there was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes before he turned.
"It concerns His Highness, Prince Alaric."
