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CHAPTER 8
"And see where it lead me to…. My near-death experience," Kaan roared at her.
"My Lord you cannot say…" Carmilla had not even begun explaining when he stood up in anger and slammed his hand against the table in front of him.
"I can and I will. I told you not another word about this matter. I would address it at the appointed time by 9 this evening. If you want to discuss it, wait for that time."
She was stunned by how he acted. This was the very same Demon Lord who had drawn her so close to him. Yes everyone had their bad times and good but for him, is it bad or good, he never raised his voice like that at her.
**FLASHBACK ENDS**
"Proceed."
Immediately one of the council members walked out from where he was seated and bowed before Kaan, then turned around so he was facing Abaddon.
"My Lord. Presenting before you, the traitor, Abaddon Gadreel." Upon mentioning his name, Abaddon raised his head to look at the man he had come to know as a father.
Unfortunately for him, the demon Lord did not share in that affection right now and averted his gaze away.
He felt like a son, so forsaken and discarded at that moment and the very fact that he was brought there to stand trial was already speaking so much that his father believed them without hearing from him.
"Based on the pieces of evidence presented before him, a witness and an accomplice, all traces lead to the fact that he, Abaddon conspired with my Lord's personal Physician to poison my Lord and hasten his death."
"Lies," Carmilla spat out on impulse. Her face showing her clear displeasure.
The Councilman, Calogero turned towards her, eyeing her with all he got but did not say anything.
Right at this moment she still had the Demon Lord's favour, rendering her untouchable by any of them.
"Witnesses can be formed. All of this is just a framework. I do not believe he can do such. To what end would he do such anyway?"
"For the throne," One of the numerous commanders voiced out from his seat. "Isn't it obvious that once our Demon Lord dies, he stands the most to benefit from it?"
"But he is still next in line for the throne, whether the Demon Lord is killed nor or not."
"Not when he is trying to speed thing up," Calogero answered.
"To what end? Abaddon is not like that," Carmilla defended.
"You are just blinded by your love for him and nothing more. Emotions weaken a demon and in your case, your senses have been dulled and your eyes blinded."
"Not another word concerning my feelings from you, Fearghal! This should be the last," Carmilla challenged, ignoring the fact that the demon Lord was seated not far from her and completely disregarding his presence.
"SILENCE!"
Everyone kept quiet and straightened themselves in their seat. "Not another word from you Carmilla."
'But, my Lord, you said I can present my case here, so why now are you silencing me or have you completely believed them over him?"
"I said, SILENCE! If you utter one more word, I would be forced to equate you together with him as a traitor. Calogero, carry on."
"Yes, My Lord."
Carmilla's eyes spun in her head. Did she just hear what the Demon Lord said? How could this be happening? She had always thought that there was nothing that could Abaddon would do to ever get on the bad side of the Demon Lord because of how they were close.
It turns out that even the best relationship can turn sour with the right discord in place
"Now there is a reason for him to speed up his coronation process and that is because of the death of one of our legions that challenged him, Cadoc."
"What! That's absurd!"
"CARMILLA!"
She bowed her head before him, aware of her flaunting his orders before his subordinates.
"Last warning or you would be put under house arrest for the next one week. Calogero, continue."
"Yes, my Lord." He cleared his throat and continued.
"Due to the misunderstanding between them, People saw them exchange blows but they were separated and by the next day, we heard that Cadoc was murdered. There is only one person who we know had him at heart to do him ill. I recall Abaddon making the statement, we shall we before he left that very day."
He paused and watched everyone, making sure that the words sunk into their hearts.
"As we all know, it is an offence for you to kill your own and he did. So as not to face the severe punishment of death, he actually tried to kill the Demon Lord. If he is Lord, then he can cover up his mess and go scot-free."
"And the witnesses?"Kaan asked?
"They are here, my Lord. I would now proceed to call them one by one," Calogero informed.
"Very well, then."
And just like that, all the witnesses were brought before the Demon Lord. Each and everyone agreeing to what was said and stating their own version.
By the time the whole trial was done, Abaddon was found wanting and in accordance with their law, such crimes were punishable by death and severing the soul of the being and feeding to the Demon Lord.
That way he or she could never reincarnate again into another lifetime.
"I have heard you all and I can see that he is found wanting and should be punished accordingly but…" Everywhere became silent instantly.
They had thought that him agreeing that Abaddon was indeed guilty was all they needed and the next in line would be killed.
Unfortunately for them, he was the Demon Lord and his words were final.
"Do you have anything to say to plead your cause?" His eyes dimmed a fraction as he directed his gaze to his beloved son. Normally there wasn't any opportunity for such, once witnesses were there but giving his status, Kaan decided to make an exception.
"Yes, my Lord."