Carriages could be seen coming into the capital for the whole day. The kings sent letters calling for the nobles to come. Many had remained since the coronation; however, there was a small minority that hadn't. Some still refused to come, but the majority of the nobles in the kingdom had arrived. None had been told, but a few powerful nobles knew what was happening. Duke Flanders and Marquess Raven were amongst them.
Alfred held a small banquet on the first day they had arrived. Although he didn't like them, finding them pretentious, he had an appearance to uphold and people to keep happy. Those oblivious to what was happening enjoyed the banquet in delight, unaware of the tension of those who knew.
"Is it true about the kids of Argon?" A woman wearing a beautiful dress walked towards Duke Flanders.
The duke looked at her and smiled. "Catherine. You are as gorgeous as ever." He bent over and grabbed her hand, kissing it. Catherine rolled her eyes at this. She didn't pull back, not wanting to embarrass him.
"We are equal in rank, William. There is no need for the display."
"I'm a gentleman, Catherine." He sipped his drink, looking up at the balcony where Alfred stood. Catherine followed his eyeline and squinted. The more she looked at Alfred, the more she felt he was a scary kid. She had children around his age, and they were nothing alike. The aura around Alfred was dark and bleak, lacking any of the innocence found in someone his age.
"You didn't answer my question." Not looking away, she carried on. William took a sip from his drink, not replying. The two watched Marquess Raven walk up to Alfred, whispering something in his ear. The boy nodded his head and began to tap his glass.
"Everybody." The chatter died down as all the nobles looked up at Alfred. "I'm sure you all wonder why I called you here so soon. Tomorrow at noon, everybody must gather at the Open Hall." Alfred walked away with Raven and Chris following behind.
"You have your answer," William said in Catherine's ear before leaving the banquet. Catherine looked at him, confused.
The Open Hall was a massive stone stage built to hold grand plays. It was one of the Ammar Kingdom's finest landmarks. The nobles took their seats with those of high rank up front. Most wondered what Alfred wanted to show, and some were excited. Those who had an idea or knew had serious expressions watching.
The excitement the nobles felt soon quickly began to die. Chris walked onto the stage, followed by numerous knights. Being dragged behind him on a chain, the Duke of Argon. Many saw this and took a deep breath. It was a shocking sight to see a Duke like this.
The knights made a line and began to salute. The small body of Alfred walked out. His face was covered with an iron mask. He wore a white robe with his hood pulled up. In his small hand, a knife.
Some felt nervous upon seeing this appearance. They could already see what would happen but couldn't fully accept it. They still saw Alfred as a 12-year-old kid. Many had kids his age and couldn't imagine them like this.
Alfred walked behind the Duke. The Duke's face was calm. He didn't show fear and knelt on the ground, waiting. Alfred, under his mask, was breathing heavily. He wore it to hide his expression. Chris looked down at his King and saw the panic in his eyes.
Alfred slowly controlled his breathing. He knew that he couldn't just stand there. Alfred closed his eyes. He organised his thoughts before opening his eyes again. His eyes had lost their panic, only radiating a cold shine. He suppressed his humanity and brought forward thoughts of the crimes the Duke committed.
A calmness overcame him after this. Alfred felt it, and his voice spread out of the Open Hall. "My countrymen. Today, we sentence The Duke of Argon to death. His list of crimes is too large to ignore, from enslaving his people to treason against the crown." Alfred broke as he looked at one person in the crowd.
Micheal flinched as he felt Alfred's eyes lock onto him. It was only for a second, but he understood its meaning. "However, thanks to this man, I could meet our lord. And due to that, I will grant him the honour of a quick death."
None of the nobles said anything, carefully watching. "Duke Argon, you have been charged and found guilty of treason. Do you have any final words?" The Duke looked at everybody present and just smirked. He raised his neck and closed his eyes. Alfred saw this and placed his knife on his throat. With one quick motion, he dragged the knife across. Blood flew from his throat as Alfred dropped his body. The life in his body slowly vanished.
"Let this be a warning to everybody present. No matter your rank, you are below the crown's authority, and any action against it will not be tolerated. With the Duke's death, all his possessions will be passed down to his children." Alfred dropped his knife and walked off the stage, followed by Chris.
Catherine looked at William, who was next to her. She could see a smile on his face. "This is what you meant yesterday."
"I only realised what was happening after I had news about his ill kids. I knew he was keeping the Duke alive for a reason." His voice held praise in it as he stood. "It's an effective warning, that's for sure. As well as one that no one will question."
"But he had no evidence to support this. It's tyranny."
William stopped and looked back at her. "Catherine. I saw the evidence his father collected. The duke wasn't innocent. You know this. It's just his charges are exaggerated. You're just scared that he could have chosen you." William waved as he walked off. The other nobles, seeing him leave, also quickly got up.
Micheal watched as all the nobles walk past him. He couldn't get Alfred's eyes out of his head and knew he was caught.