<on hiatus> 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 - 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

𝟐𝟎

[two days later]

[knighton royal palace]

[throne room]

[that night]

"What did you say?" Duke Austin Mabrey said, his face full of anger.

"Here it comes," Nicholas sighed and covered his ears as his uncle lectured him on his decision to marry princess Macy during an audience with the king and queen. He was wearing his house uniform and this time, he brought along his sword.

"Nicholas Thomas Wayne," the duke said, "do you have any idea how disappointed I am in you?"

"Uncle, I can explain—"

"You brat," the duke spat. "How dare you tarnish your father's good name by doing something so... irresponsible... dishonourable... despicable... this act of yours... is unacceptable!"

"Austin," Marquess Keith tried calming Duke Austin down by patting his back, "give Nicholas a chance to explain himself, at least."

"... fine," Duke Austin sighed. "Go ahead."

"Alright," Nicholas nodded. "Since everyone here knows what I am part of... I suppose... it's alright if I tell you this. But Princess Macy must not know of what I am about to tell you."

"Indeed," King Halbert said. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have called us here at this hour of the night."

"And I was just about to get some shut eye after a few days in the office," yawned Marquess Keith.

"... I'm not the father of the princess' baby," Nicholas said.

"Great," Duke Austin rolled his eyes. "More nonsense."

"No, Uncle," Nicholas said, "I'm telling you the truth. This is regarding my mission, the real reason why I came back to Knighton in the first place."

"Oh...!" Marquess Keith widened his eyes in shock. The king, queen and Duke Austin were equally shocked. "You were sent by the Force...?!"

"... shit... why didn't they tell me about this? Those bastards are done for..." he heard Duke Austin growl. The duke and marquess were also agents of the Force.

"Yes," Nicholas nodded. "That is why I requested this meeting in the first place. As you all should know, my current mission is to protect Princess Macy from a villain named the Joker. I'm sure you are all aware of him."

"Yes... but..." King Halbert began, "I thought Batman placed him in Arkham a few years before."

"He somehow managed to escape, your majesty," Nicholas answered, causing them all to go wide eyed. "And he has come to Knighton to retrieve sensitive and vital information regarding House Wayne, House Al Ghul, and plans to harm the royal family, House Halbert— you, your majesties. The Joker being on the loose is something which my sister and I must handle behind the scenes, though, I must make sure that you are aware of this. In the case that Princess Macy ever finds out the existence of the Force and the truth behind her baby's real father," Nicholas took out a small syringe filled with a small amount of transparent liquid from his pocket, "inject her with this."