Not Giving Into Fate

14. Day of the trial, part 1

It was early in the morning and I surprisingly woke up from sleep. Albeit it was more of a two hour nap, but it was needed.

I stepped into a simple but elegant white dress worthy of court. I had a headpiece on my head and elaborate earrings, my neck void of jewelry which is now my new custom. I didn't want to be too flamboyant, but I needed to show off who I am, the power I hold. 

Over the dress, I wore my Master robe. The majestic dark purple with gold woven in to form a brilliant starry pattern took the show. My makeup made me look more awake and ready to take to the stand.

I left the mansion with Elric by my side. We rode the carriage together, both of us empty handed and ready for the day. Since Elric is a Captain and the future Duke- our father gave up his seat to Elric a year ago. Elric is now a member of parliament. He has the white robes with silver stitching to prove it.

The trip to the city was short, my daydream kept me from paying attention to time. When we arrived to the city and took to the judicial building, we saw there was a ton of traffic. People crowded the carriage, shouting my name and banging on the side.

They yelled for me to quit the trial, to not show so that they may be able to have magical weapons. They called me greedy for keeping it locked up and that the common man shouldn't be held back.

I look to Elric, confused why they think I'm the one storing magical weapons away- they're not even under my area of expertise! Elric takes deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling deeply while making eye contact with me. I copy him, copy his deep and steady breathing which I find calms me down.

When we reach the building, I see Imperial soldiers pushing news reporters out of the way, making a way for us to walk through. Before our door opens, I see that the Temple Knights crowd in front of our door. I feel safer knowing my family's soldiers are here for me.

Elric gets out first and then he helps me out. Reporters rush to me, shouting questions and accusations the second I get out of the carriage. I take Elric's hand and our soldiers guard us inside and away from the wold crowd.

Beyond the initial doors, there's a hallway that would take us to the courtroom. Before we can get there, we have to pass by the parliament members who loiter around before they're called to take their seats.

I hold onto Elric as we walk down the hallway, stopping to greet all of his supporters. As we stop and greet them, they quietly or secretly admit to me that they will support me. I smile and nod before we continue walking. There are others who sneer at me, carefully watching me. 

When we make it to the end of the hallway, there's the big doors that normal people walk through, but to the left are the doors I enter because I'm the one who initialed the criminal trial as the prosecutor.

In front of the door, stands a man with two guards beside him. I don't recognize him or the jagged scar from his left temple hairline to his left eye. It's clear the scar belonged to a beast, one with terrible claws or talons. He wears thick, dark glasses to maybe hide the scar, but I can still make it out. Elric tenses up and steps in front of me, clearly recognizing the young, scarred man.

"Duke Solon and Master Solon," the man speaks and looks over my brothers shoulder to make eye contact with me, taking off his glasses in respect. I stare into his red eyes as I move to stand beside my brother, not being hidden away. He has addressed me by the title I prefer, something I correct new people of. 

"Duke Driscol, I'm surprised to see you here." My brother says through gritted teeth. My eyes widen and I look to see Sir Pine's master. He's young, maybe the same age as my brother and handsome were it not for the scar on his face.