The field for the judgment was already being prepared outside.
Knights moved back and forth, setting the podium, arranging seats for the council, the nobles, and the royal family.
Inside the palace building, Arel was being escorted out by Kael and Kira. He walked calmly, like a man who had already accepted whatever was coming.
Alaric and Arin walked towards them, dressed in their ceremonial attires.
"Leave us." Arin ordered.
The knights hesitated.
"Your Majesty..."
"I said leave us."
They looked at Alaric instinctively.
Arin exhaled. "Alaric…"
"No," Alaric responded. "You're not staying alone with him."
Arin turned to him. "Trust me."
Alaric didn't even think about it. "I do. But I don't trust him."
The silence stretched. Finally, Alaric waved his hand toward the knights.
"Leave."
They obeyed at once, bowing and stepping out, but Alaric stayed exactly where he was, arms folded, eyes fixed on Arel.
