The Noble’s demeanors have changed. I can sense a threatening aura emanating off of them like a raging fire. They’ve all activated their pacts and I can see the council member’s faces going pale. They all look terrified. They’re trembling and stepping away from the nobles who have stepped forward from their place on the council chamber walls. I quickly realize that everyone in the chamber hall looks equally horrified.

Their pacts are so heavily imposing that I start to feel myself sweat. It feels like a horse is sitting on my chest and I’m struggling to breathe. My legs feel weak and start to cave under my own weight. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to see it. To be in the presence of it. The Noble’s eyes have turned as red as blood. The shadows wrap around them like black coats of armor, obscuring them from my vision almost entirely. With every step they take, getting closer and closer, I feel myself get more and more lightheaded. I can’t pass out. Not here. I quickly take a step back and lean some of my weight on my mother’s throne. If I sit down now it’ll be too obvious that their Pacts have affected me. No one can know that it does.

The Nobles suddenly stop and wait in place, their red eyes looking directly at Obis. One of the Nobles steps forward out of the shifting shadows, Aliyah.

“Enough!” Aliyah yells, her eyes glowing a deep crimson color in this shifting darkness. Her fangs visible as she speaks. “The Pact is a sacred bond between a Revnian Noble and our savior, the Reaper. It is not something a commoner like you could ever comprehend. And to accuse a Noble of losing such a thing is high treason. Council member Obis, even you are not exempt from this law, let alone speaking ill of the sacred Guardian Ceremony.” She turns to my father and kneels before continuing. “My King, I speak for all the nobles here and request that council member Obis immediately face severe punishment for his insolence.”

My father’s aura is as calm as frozen ice. I’m glad. If he would’ve activated his pact, I don’t think I would be able to even stand anymore. I’m struggling to stay on my feet as it is. My legs are shaking and I pray to the Reaper that no one can see it.

It seems Obis has stepped on the wrong foot this time. The Nobles care little for me, but to question the pact is an unforgivable mistake he’ll live to regret. A mistake that the Nobles won’t stand for. And for once I’m thankful that they’re so prideful.

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My father’s rugged voice rings through the chamber’s hall as he speaks. “There has been enough excitement for one day. Nobles, quell your anger. This isn’t the time or place to fight amongst ourselves. Your request shall, of course, be granted. But first, I ask that you seal your pacts.”

My father points to the council members whose legs have failed them and are now sitting on the floor breathing heavily.

“Not everyone here can endure its effects.”

Aliyah nods in agreement and motions for the other Nobles to calm their anger.

I suddenly feel the weight on me slowly dissipate and the imposing aura emanating off of the Nobles seem to have settled down. The eternal darkness that even I could barely see through has finally cleared and their red eyes have lost their glow.

My father speaks again. “Obis, as the oldest council member, your wise counsel these past centuries has been invaluable. But your insolence against the Noble caste has gone too far this time. As such, it cannot go unpunished. From henceforth, I hereby revoke your title as council member for a period of ten years. Reflect on your mistakes and return to serve with a clear mind.” He commands.

Obis bows, before speaking. “Thank you for your merciful punishment, Your Majesty.”

I see Aliyah visibly unhappy with Obis’ punishment, but she won’t press the matter further. She gives me a threatening look before standing up again and returning back to the shadows with the other Nobles.

My father continues. “As for Princess Sennala. I understand the grievances of the people. My daughter will face her punishment with grace and honor, of this I can assure you all. However!” He takes a moment to look at everyone in the hall. “We will concern ourselves with the Princess’ judgment AFTER the diplomatic meeting with the Hunters. And not a moment before. For now, we have much to prepare before their arrival. This meeting is adjourned.”

He waves his hand and the entire chamber bows in unison without a single word of protest.

“All hail the Night King! Your will is our command!” They roar in unison.

I let out a breath of air and feel relief wash over me before letting myself land back down on my mother’s throne. The meeting is finally over. I avoided a judgment, for now. The Nobles all take one last disparaging glance at me before turning to leave.

The council chambers empty out faster than usual and I’m left sitting alone on the throne with my father standing next to me. He waited there for everyone to leave. Wonderful. I see him look down at me with those judgmental eyes of his. I scoff and roll my eyes. I hate it when he does that. It feels like I’m his greatest shame.

I feel his eyes staring. Piercing. Waiting. For me to give him an answer about my actions. But I can’t. No matter what I say it won’t be enough. It never is. I ignore his stare and get up off of my mother’s throne. I know he wants to say something. But he won’t. He never does. I quietly walk down the stairs and towards the council chamber doors without saying a single word fully knowing he’s still looking at me with those disappointed eyes as I walk out.