Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

Rena and Lucius cuddled next to one another on a two-person sofa the entire time they were in the waiting area. The Thunder King stood silently at the door, watching over everything happening in the room.

Lucius made no moves that would have set the man off in any way. Not only for himself, but also for the safety of his family. Kalliope looked over them in a blend of happiness and jealousy which Lucius had gotten used to over the past few months. However, since they had returned from the work study, he had yet to sit down and discuss with her what Rena had told him.

They needed to talk about it, but time was never really on their side for much of it. Things kept getting in the way. Then they found out about the baby and almost everything else fell to the wayside.

"Kalliope."

"Yes?" The woman sat up with her ears and tail at complete attention. She was not expecting to hear Lucius call out for her.

"After this trial is over… we need to have a discussion."

"What…"

Rena smiled at her, "It's important that you two talk, okay?"

Kalliope closed her mouth and nodded in understanding. Rena curled back into Lucius for a few more minutes until there was a knock at the door that indicated it was time. Sir Theos walked over and yanked Lucius off the sofa using the chains attached to him.

Rena looked like she was about to protest, but a quick glance from Lucius kept her from saying anything. Instead, she glared at the warrior's back in silent anger.

Lucius was led back into the same room he was before and in a few minutes it was filled with all the same people from earlier. The council members looked down on him from their seats with disdain while they waited for the audience to settle in.

"Lucius Kane." One of the counselors boomed, his voice echoing through the chamber. "We have determined that you are indeed guilty of the crimes levied against you. As you have admitted to your own guilt, the decision on this was swift.

"In regards to your sentencing, we took many factors into account. You are a noble from an allied nation. Though this does not make you immune to our kingdom's laws, it does impact the outcome of your sentencing. We also looked at how your involvement sped up the resolution of the insurgency and a number of other factors that will remain undisclosed to the public at this time.

"With all of these factors considered together, the punishment carried out shall be temporary exile from the Kingdom of Arcadios, removal of your position as an envoy of Eroa, and expulsion from the Arcadios Royal Academy.

"Your exile period shall begin tomorrow and end when you have completed a special task at the request of King Aleksander and a Queen candidate from Aedrider."

"Understood." Lucius responded. "I shall prepare my things and my family, then I'll…"

"No." the counselor interrupted. "Your wife and unborn child will stay here. Until the time when your task in Aedrider is completed, your wife is to stay within Arcadios's borders to ensure that you will complete the task requested of you."

A small bolt of electricity arced between Lucius's fingers, but he had predicted this outcome. So had Lyrah. It was for this reason that he had made sure to ask for a favor from Adellia. While he was away, Rena would be safe in Adellia's tower with Natali and Lyrah.

"I understand." Lucius answered quietly. "I imagine that this means my wife and child will be protected while I am gone?"

"We will protect those of House Kane. Our protection does not extend to those outside your family." Another counselor smirked. He was wearing a set of clergy robes and seemed to be representing the church's interest in the trial.

Lucius felt his anger welling up within him. The single bolt of electricity from before became several. Before his anger could get too out of control, Sir Theos smashed the back of his leg with his hammer, forcing Lucius to his knees.

"Do not worry." The voice of an older gentleman called out from the audience. Lucius immediately recognized it as being from Wally. "Lucius, I give my solemn vow that nothing will happen to Rena or your child. After all, your unborn child is my great-great grandchild by blood! How could I not protect them?"

"Grandpa," Lyrah cooed, "There is one more thing isn't there?"

"Hmm? Oh yes! That's right, thank you, Lyrah, my dear." Wally coughed and pulled out a piece of paper from his robes. "One of the reasons I was so delayed in my return was because I was running an errand in the Petra domain. I also stopped off in Eroa for a spell to visit a friend. I have a decree from King Verdayl."

"Please, Lord Carmichael, do share."

"Oh yes, right. As we have heard of House Kane, birth into the house is not allowed in Eroan law. It is a strange rule they have for reasons yet unknown to us… instead members of the house must be inducted by the king of Eroa. As such, King Verdayl has instructed me to announce that Lady Kane's child is considered to be a member of House Kane by birthright."

The council member representing the church and several other clergy members around the room began to shout and grumble. Lucius was happy to know that his child was safe under the council's promise and Wally's watchful eye. Yet he was furious that so many people were relying on the child being born without rights to his name.

There was no telling what their plans were, but Lucius had several guesses. He took several moments to commit all of their faces to memory. When he returned… No, when he was stronger they would be among the first to pay.

"This court is dismissed. Lucius Kane, report to the main gates tomorrow morning for your assignment. You will join the representative of Aedrider who requested assistance there."

Sir Theos reached around him and cracked the cuffs off with his hands, letting the pieces fall to the ground. It was a not so subtle threat, though Lucius could have easily done the same to the flimsy object.

Rena and Kalliope rushed down from the stands and hugged him simultaneously. Kalliope awkwardly stepped away from the hug after a few seconds. Desmond and Jade also joined them in the center of the room.

"Thank you, Wally. And thank you again Mother Adellia." Lucius whispered while gripping Rena in his hands tighter, "Please watch over them."

"We will." They answered at the same time.

"Lucius, take Kalliope and Desmond with you. I need to know you are safe. Do not go without them."

"But I need you…"

"No, I can't be the only one keeping their lover safe. I have Natali and Grandpa Wally. I need to know you are safe." Rena cupped his face in her hands. "Please, take them with you."

Lucius looked to Kalliope and Desmond who both nodded resolutely. Jade also nodded which made Lucius smile. She was determined to join despite her lack of ability. However, he knew that Desmond would demand her participation regardless.

"Alright, I will. We set out tomorrow then."