Not Giving Into Fate

43- A New Captain

The days had passed on normally and soon the day for the trial began. As an expert witness, I was called to testify my knowledge of curses. My father, Elric and I woke up early to use the portal to go to the Capital. As we waited in the portal room for Sir Claude to tell us when it was ready, the bastard child entered the room. I was surprised to see she was dressed up as if she were leaving as well.

"Catherina, why are you up so early?" Father asks her, turning his body to face her. I narrow my eyes and cross my arms, looking her up and down. She has a cloak over her shoulders to protect her from the morning autumn chill. Her pink hair is down and she looks rather excited by the smile on her face.

"The trial. All the Solons are attending, so I thought I should attend as well." She smiles, walking forward to stand with us. I snort at her response and Elric releases a low chuckle.

"We aren't attending the trial for fun. I am attending because I'm the Captain of the Temple Knight who captured the criminals. Father is attending because he is the Duke and will speak on behalf of the Temple since the Pope is busy with other matters. Giselle is attending as an expert witness because she's the Master of Ancient Magic, she's been a crucial part to this trial. Why do you think you will go?" Elric sneers at her.

"But I-"

"The portal is ready for travel, Masters." Sir Claude speaks. I look over my shoulder and see the portal is the correct color and nod my head.

"We should leave now. Lady Catherina," I look at her. "All your tutors will be coming in tomorrow morning. This is your last free day, you should spend it relaxing. The capital will be chaotic due to the trial so I recommend you to stay in the estate. Brother, father... we're already late. Let's go."

I turn and walk towards the portal. Elric follows behind me closely while Father tells her goodbye and follows us. As I walk through the portal, the usual chill hits my bones but it's gone in a second. I blink and see we're at the Parliament building. I see there are others entering through their own portal. I look over my shoulder to see my family standing there which causes people to look at us and makes me uncomfortable. Parliament members whisper and point in our direction, it's uncommon to see the three of us standing together. I have to find Milo, so I separate from my family with a quick goodbye.

I find Milo talking with Prince Adrian about the trial. I join their conversation, but honestly I'm just standing there. I look round the room and see that Duke Driscol had just entered as well. He walks in with some of his knights. He wears his glasses, hiding most of his scar. He stands tall as he looks around the room. We make eye contact and he freezes. I smile and nod my head. He nods his head and continues walking and joins my brother.

I watch their interaction. I know they used to be friends, but their behavior is anything but that of friends. They move stiffly and I know my brother won't be the one to initiate conversation with him. Sebastian is the one who facilitates conversation, moving his hand as he speaks. The two Dukes nod their heads in humorous unison.

I watch as the door opens, signaling for the Parliament members to take their seats for the upcoming trial. Milo offers me his arm, telling me that I will sit beside him. I hold his arm, waving goodbye at the Prince who gives me a proud smile. He has a nice suit on, one made for a Prince and not a soldier. I follow Milo and the sea of men into the chamber, remembering the last time I stood here was for the trial against the serial killer.

As I watch the members take their seats, Milo takes me towards the front of the room. I look above and see that the doors to the public have been open and people are eagerly trying to find seats to see the show. I bring my gaze back down when Milo takes me to the first seats behind the lawyers bench. We take a seat behind where I once sat in, behind the witnesses, behind my brother and Duke Driscol.