In a hall, where there is only a white and golden carpet, in the white stone walls with shiny pillars, at the end of the hall, there are three golden thrones of different sizes. One big in the middle and the other two smaller on each side.
This place, called the Throne Hall, is where the subjects can have an audience with the King.
A middle-aged man sitting on the big throne. His face only had some wrinkles, and resting in his light brown hair was a golden and red crown as big as his head. It had ten gems like a belt around the crown, each gem was different in color and shape. Representing each kingdom. The most prominent gem is at the center. A sword shaped white gem.
Joseph Cullen, King of the Cullen Kingdom. His impetus is worthy of a King.
Besides him, sitting on his left side, an older lady with white hair covering her head. The small crown on her head is alike to the King, but smaller and doesn't have the ten gems, it only had one in the center, a sword shaped white gem.
In front of them were several men, one of them if John Hazard.
"Your Loftiness, King Joseph. I hope you can give the Borges Kingdom's Royal Family an explanation."
The King Joseph's cold expression did not make John flinch like the others. And seeing his arrogant behavior in front of him, a King. Made him raise his eyebrow.
"Who are you? Are you some illegitimate son of King August?" the solemn tone of King Joseph made everyone lower their heads. Not daring to have any ideas to talk back to the King.
Borges Kingdom is the same size as Cullen Kingdom. And in their 10 Kingdom Alliance, King Joseph's status is higher than King August. So, everyone, even the heralds of the Prince Julian, felt that John Hazard's words crossed the line between the status and Kingdoms.
But no one bothers to remind him, nor speak for him. And neither John Hazard could understand the meaning behind King Joseph's words.
"I'm John Hazard, second son of the House Hazard. My fourth sister had just died in your imperial garden, her being Prince Julian's fiancée. Your duty is to amend this. So, it is proper for us to ask for an explanation."
When John Hazard said the last part, everyone paled. No one dared to speak to a King that way.
'Is he out of his mind!?' many exclaimed in their hearts. They did not dare to look at the King's face, fearing seeing his anger.
When King Joseph wanted to speak, the doors opened and Prince Julian came inside.
He strode towards the King. He half kneeled in front of his throne.
"King Joseph. I plea for mercy. I apologize for not being capable of controlling my heralds and my subjects. It's our fault for disrespecting your glorious being."
When he said it, everyone else followed his example and kneeled.
Everyone except John Hazard.
"Prince Julian's subordinates don't have a sense of property, nor know their place or status. He dared to question this king. He dared to speak in such a tone. And worse, he dared to order me around and talk about my duty. He's just an ant that I can crush with one word. And I can assure you, he won't go unpunished by this king."
"I won't ask for more if he is still alive after the punishment. King Joseph." Spoke once more, Prince Julian just wanted to lower the casualties and the corpses he had to bring back to his kingdom.
"I've not heard about the Second Duke of House Hazard being Prince Julian's fiancée like this ant is clamoring. It is true, Prince Julian?" King Joseph asked, and his nonchalant behavior made everyone feel sarcasm and felt the real meaning of his words without looking at his expression.
Prince Julian raised his head just to see the taunting and disdain in his face towards John Hazard. And knew if he does not speak now, he will have to bring John Hazard's corpse together with Elmira Hazard's corpse.
"Answering to King Joseph, my Imperial Father had some candidates for my fiancée to be, and the fourth Lady of House Hazard is among them."
King Joseph turned to look at Prince Julian, a dark light flashed through his deep blue eyes.
'Interesting.' Thought King Joseph, and the corner of his lips raised.
"Well, thinking about the second son's behavior. I hope you did not name her before her death. A pity would be for the Prince and the Borges Kingdom. You free yourself with such a disgrace. I'll ask the Prince to convey a message to your Imperial Father."
"Please, King Joseph, instruct this Prince."
"I hope he can throw a leash over the mad dogs who came to other kingdoms. And let them know who is the master. For not losing face next time."
Prince Julian paled, and their words petrified John Hazard in his spot.
"I'll convey the King's message to my Imperial Father." Answered Prince Julian hastily.
"Good. I'll send someone to investigate what really happened. But I assume my third daughter has already started while we speak. She's my pride. She moved before looking for trouble with me."
King Joseph did not wait for them to answer, he just stood up and left the Throne Hall.
The Old Lady on the side just looked at the men in front, many of them almost pee themselves.
"I hope this is the first and the last time a mere subject to dare to question a Crown. His status is not worthy of speaking first. Nor his behavior the best. Send him to the dungeon, thirty lashes for disturbing the relationship between Kingdoms."
Not letting anyone come back to their senses, someone answered.
"Yes, Old Queen Mother." Several men in black came and took John Hazard with them.
Prince Julian and his heralds couldn't do anything about it. If they did something, they would've be punished too and may become a serious breach between kingdoms.
But the creepiest thing is…
No one could understand King Joseph's behavior. His words and actions differed from other Kings they've interacted before. And he did not give the punishment. The Oldest Queen Mother, King Joseph's Imperial Mother, gave it.
John could not utter a word. His mouth opened and closed, but no word could come out of it his eyes wide open while the man in black drag him out of the Thorne Hall.