The great hall was silent. The King of Agossomore had just shared with the Earthlings the power one has if they possess the World’s Heart. Even Kohn was speechless.

He had traveled with the Prince for months now and all this time the Prince never told them that he had become the Human’s biggest threat. Kohn felt betrayed, but felt that it was Karma balancing itself. After all, he didn’t join up freely back on Earth out of a sense of duty for his country. However, he might have to adjust his plans if the Prince could directly influence him. And he couldn’t say here on this planet very long either or the King would have the power to change him as well.

“Couldn’t you just give it back?” Sasha asked innocently.

Both King and Prince stared at her with blank expressions on their faces. A nervous sweat appeared on Sasha’s forehead before the two turned to each other and broke out in rambunctious laughter.

“BWAHAHAHAHA! Did you hear what the little one said?” King StoneTooth stuttered due to laughing.

“I did! Hahahahaha!”

“Little one,” the King questioned her while wiping tears from the corner of his eyes “just how little do you think of the World Heart?”

“But it controls the planet and he took it! So give it back.” She stubbornly pushed which only irritated the King.

“The World Heart is not a toy that can be passed around! It is a magical bond between the two that can only be broken with death, but that is not an option that any would readily take. If the world is critically wounded or destroyed then I would die and if my magic grows to a certain extent then my death can result in the death of the World Heart. If it is destroyed then the planet and all on it will follow in its wake.”

“Fuuu! Then why did you take it Prince?!” She had completely taken control of the conversation.

Kohn was at a loss of what to do. On one hand she was a cute and small figure that neither the Prince nor the King had yet refuted, so she was getting a more detailed explanation out of them. But on the other hand she was starting to dig at the problems the Prince brought upon himself.

“I feel the same! You’ve known your whole life what kind of responsibility and danger the World Heart is, and the first expedition out you’ve taken one!” Everything he said was being punctuated with anger and both his voice and stature were growing frightening.

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“My king,” forgotten in the corner when she retreated, the deer-woman Evemlaine spoke out. “From what Prince Agossliam has said, their planet was on the brink of a similar war that lead you to take the World Heart of the very planet beneath your feet. Rather than letting them suffer for countless years, does it not seem like taking the World Heart and forcing them into the Kingdom was an attempt to save them from pain and suffering?”

The King let her carry on, only clenching his fists in frustration. Everyone could tell that she had struck a chord within him.

“But never-the-less, the law must be upheld.”

“My King, there has never been a law or a punishment for this situation.” She shook her head as the two locked eyes. Gently, she caressed his arm, soothing the angry beast. “A World Heart was taken. And your own law declares that the owner and planet must be made a member of the Kingdom. To be monitored and ensure that the oaths are maintained, but otherwise be left to prosper on their own.”

“Huuuuuh. Yes, you are right.” King StoneTooth’s anger dissipated. Well, Kohn noted that it at least seemed more like his anger was at a similar level to when they first entered. It might be physically impossible for the King to not be angry!

“Rear-Prince Agossliam!” The Prince’s back went stiff at the formality in his father’s voice. Hastily he knelt before the King. “My son and seventh heir to the Agossomore Kingdom. You have been banished from these lands. Your punishment. Is for stealing the World Heart of a non-member world. During your mission to contact unknown planets and warn their host sentients of the impending threat of the Jzanna hordes!”

Around them the guards banged their shields against their armored chests. Punctuating the King’s words each time he paused. A low, inaudible chant sneaked its way out of their helmets.

“You are hereby stripped of your title as the Rear-Prince!” Boom, the guards thumped their chests.

“You are hereby stripped of your position as seventh heir!” Boom. The guards beat their chests harder.

“Your name will hereby be stricken from my family’s roster!” Boom. It felt like at any moment the guards would rush forth and behead Kohn and the rest. “And you shall no longer be called by the name given to you by birth!”

BOOOM! One final smack with their shields against their chests before the guards fell eerily silent.

Agossliam was remained with kneeling the entire time with his head flat against his chest. He didn’t look worried or upset. He resolutely took his punishment in silence.

On his appearance and will alone, Kohn respected him.

“You will be confined until such time that you are made to swear unto me the oaths of World Heart sharer. Then the name you will take will be reentered as a citizen of the Agossomore Kingdom. Upon such honor you will be given your first orders by your new King. Guards! Take him away!”

King StoneTooth once more turned his back on his son, but this time he sat upon the throne with all the regality of a high king passing judgement upon a lower being.

The guards at the base of the columns took three steps forward. From where Kohn didn’t know, but more guards took similar places at the base of each column.

Being signaled, Kohn and the other escorts of the ex-prince’s stood up and were escorted out of the Great Hall. When the doors grinded shut, everyone was surprised when the Prince let out a very loud sigh.

“Whooo!” He glanced at everyone. They could visibly see his relief. “That could have gone so much worse!”