The Moon & The Morningstar: 7 Deadly Sins

CH 74: Off to the Dungeon We Go

WAYO'S POV

Even though he was nervous, Pha stayed mostly calm. His voice only cracked a couple times. Like when my father's eyes narrowed on him as he introduced himself and admitted to which Faction he belonged. Other than that, he laid out every important piece of information in a precise and organized manner. This included every fact we knew and the things we suspected. He even gave details about the attack and battle from Friday night and the new information he learned during the meeting with his family yesterday.

While daddy looked like he was going to completely lose it when he heard about the battle the hounds and I fought with the mercenaries, he only gritted his teeth and kept listening. Actually, overall, he took the news better than I thought he was going to. Although the heat around us increased quite dramatically from when we sat down to when Pha finished talking. Mom actually swatted his arm during the middle of the discussion and warned him that if he scorched her garden he was going to really learn what living in hell meant. So, he settled down a bit after that, or rather it's better to say he held most of his anger inside and didn't explode. Yet.

When Pha finished explaining what Pride Faction was plotting, I could tell my father was waging an internal debate with himself. Even though he was beyond angry, he knew as King he had to analyze the situation objectively instead of flying off the handle.

He sat quietly for a few minutes before asking us both, "I assume you have proof backing up these allegations?"

Speaking up for the first time, I respond, "Yes, daddy. Uncle Daichapanya will be presenting the evidence when he meets with you after lunch today."

"Why your uncle? Why not you?"

He's testing me, but luckily for us I know what he's up to. Besides, Ming and I discussed every possible situation or question before I came here today, so I'm absolutely prepared. If this all plays out the way Ming and I hope, I guess I'm going to have to apologize to him. Not for beating him up though, that isn't happening. He deserved that for not consulting me on what he was doing with his grandfather in the first place.

"Daddy, you know we need a second source to corroborate the witness's testimony with clear proof. You also know the laws state it can't be me since I'm bringing forth the initial charges and presenting the witness. It was Ming's idea we work with Uncle to uncover the facts for you. From what I understand, Uncle has performed that task capably and efficiently." He smiles proudly at me for my answer, but I wipe the expression off his face with my next words.

"Besides even if that wasn't the law, where would I get the resources to gather that sort of evidence. Would you rather I had tried playing spy and gone somewhere dangerous to dig for the information myself?"

"No, no. Never mind." He concedes before quickly switching his attention back to Pha. Eyeing him, he tries digging for more of an explanation of his actions. "If the testimony you've given me is true, then that makes you a traitor to your faction. Why would you do this? Why tell me their plans?"

Sitting up straighter in his chair, Pha defends, "My faction doesn't deserve my loyalty. They're plotting against the crown, not for the greater good, but to satisfy their need for conquest. Their need to prove they're the best. I don't agree with their actions."

My father is weighing Pha's words, but my silly lover isn't finished speaking. After giving me a soft adoring look he clasps our hands together and places them on the table in full sight of my parents. Facing Dad again, he takes a deep breath and segues into the topic he's been waiting to broach.

"Besides, I found someone much worthier of my loyalty... and love. Your Majesty, I love your son very much. He captured my heart from the first moment we bumped into each other and I am requesting your permission to formally court him with the intention of marriage."