It was day four of Dariel's court hearing, the last and final day for this case to finally come to a conclusion.
Dariel was relieved, at least he would not have to appear here early each morning, and he would not have to continuously see the faces of his enemies every single day. However, on the other hand he was silently dreading today.
After yesterday's grave accusation of murder thrown at him, he was certain that his reputation had been thoroughly ruined had it not already been before.
Evidently, although his half brother did not receive the sort of response he wishes to elicit from the king, he did manage to paint his renown in the worst light possible.
Even if he could not be convicted of the murder of his first wife and unborn child, the rumours circulated around the entire kingdom. Like the fresh scent of baked bread, the aroma of the gossip spread abroad.
Knowing the king, his mind was made up, he would lose his title today, even though he was already aware that this would happen considering Angelica's plans, it still felt strange to lose a title he worked so hard to gain.
So hard that he fought everyone, anyone imaginable that stood on his way just to regain this title which he believed was his birthright, no, he knew it was his birthright.
"After very careful consideration of the matter brought before me..." Phillip began. "I have finally reached a conclusion." he said as everyone waited with bated breath.
Some already had an idea of what would happen, while others were certain that with the Rivethans family, things would never progress so effortlessly.
"I have concluded that Viscount Dariel will be—" the sound of the court's door thrown open interrupted Phillip's conclusion.
"I apologize for my interference." came Ian's voice as he walked casually into the court as if it was his own, which technically someday it would be his.
Easton followed silently behind him as Ian sat down on his seat by his father's right hand.
"No need to apologize at all my son." Phillip said smiling, his face had lit up from the moment he had heard his son's voice.
Murmurs around the court erupted. What sort if disrespect was this? Regardless of the fact if the crown prince was the one that just walked in, it was wrong for him to disrupt a proceeding as paramount as this.
"I just felt like attending the court today." Ian smiled, shinning his teeth at those discussing his dramatic entrance, silencing them in the process.
They were not idiotic enough to continue speaking ill of the crown prince, the king's favourite son right in front of the king.
"I am glad that you are here, I was just about to give my verdict." Phillip smiled as Endron shot Easton a questioning look, to which Easton replied with a shake of his head.
He too was as confused as everyone else was by Ian's presence. He had thought that maybe Ian wished to settle some disputes today, however, when they had walked into the king's court and he had seen Viscount Dariel present, he suddenly had a sinking feeling in his chest.
"Ahh, what perfect timing." Ian smiled. "Father, would you mind if I was the one who passed the verdict instead?" Ian asked, a mischievous glint present in his eyes.
"Umm—You—" Phillip paused, he was never one to deny his son of anything he asked for, so at the moment he was torn.
"Excuse me sire but, his highness knows nothing of the nature of this case, therefore, he should not be trusted to pass a verdict." Endrick said, he was not about to let this young lad ruin his day of joy just because his father would never refute any of his wishes.
"Actually Lord Endrick, that is false, my father and I have discussed this matter thoroughly, and I pride myself in certainty that my verdict will be the same as his, right father?" Ian asked as he smiled.
"Right, the crown prince is correct, he will pass my verdict." Phillip said definitely.
Ian was sure he heard some groans amongst those present, but he ignored them, he was thoroughly focused on his reason for being here.
Even Lord Endrick looked pissed by the sudden change of events, the only one who did not look the slightest bit irked, if anything, there was a minute smile present on his face.
"Wonderful, everyone agrees." Ian smiled.
"Alright, let us continue." Ian said as his cheerful countenance switched to a serious one.
"Considering all that has unfolded during the past few days, it is clear that your family is not one to be reckoned with." he said with a clear tone of warning.
"Accusations have been said, words repeated, and blows thrown."
"Taking all of this into consideration, the best course of action would be the following:" Ian's voice trailed off as he looked like he was remembering something.
"The verdict is, Lord Endrick, from now on, you will receive the title of Viscount of Rivethans, as you wish." Ian said.
Endrick could not control his joy, he was ecstatic, he literally jumped up, this was the news he had been waiting to hear for more than twenty years, and now he finally got what rightly belonged to him.
Judging from the other cheers and sounds of congratulations coming from the other members present, evidently they all partook in the joy Viscount Endrick was feeling in the moment.
It was too bad that the joy was about to be immensely short-lived.
"Thank you my prince, I assure you this is the best decision you have made." Endrick smiled, laughing with joy.
"You hear that Dariel, You hear that? I won! I won, you will move your wretched family out of my manor instantly." Endrick stated as he turned to Dariel, whom he noticed had been extremely calm since Ian walked in.
"Oh, Viscount Endrick, I am afraid that will not be happening." Ian voiced causing everyone to turn to him perplexed.
"What do you mean by that your highness?" Endrick frowned.
"Yes Ian, what do you mean by that?" Phillip asked, he too just like everyone else, was completely unaware of what his son was up to.
"Oh nothing, I just mean to clarify that although you to receive your title back, you will not be receiving the manor." Ian elucidated.
"And why not?" Endrick asked completely bewildered, just as everyone else was. The only person who seemed to have a look of realization present on his face was Easton.
"Well because although Viscount Dariel has lost his title to you, he will be granted the title of duke." Ian smiled. Everyone present looked at him as if he had gone mad.
"Du—duke?!!" Endrick asked feeling as if he could no longer understand the language they were speaking.
"Why Ian?" Phillip asked, his tone demanding, he no longer looked happy to see him, rather, he looked irritated.
"Well you see father, noblemen of the king's court, now should be a better time than any to share the good news." Ian said as he stood up.
"The man you see before you today is to be my future father in law." he announced causing an uproar.
"What?!" Phillip said as he rose up hastily.
"Yes, Duke Dariel, will be my father in law, for I am betrothed to his lovely daughter." Ian stated causally as if he had not brought the entire court crashing down for everyone else.
"In—In—LAW—" Endrick spluttered, feeling as if his head was about to crack.
"Yes in law, which is why dear future in law of mine, you cannot have the manor, my lovely future wife expressed her wishes for that manor to remain in her side of the family, and so it will." Ian said standing in front of Endrick who felt the ground below him give way.
What sort of unbelievable change of events were this?!
Dariel on the other hand who had been silent had nothing but a tiny smile on his face. He had thought of declaring his victory, however, the way Ian had chose to break such delicate news was enough shame to them, there was no need for him to say anything else.
"Father in law, I hope that everything was settled in a way you prefer." he said turning to Dariel.
"Oh yes your highness, even better than I preferred." Dariel replied smiling.
"Wonderful, now I apologize, but I must take my leave, I bid you all farewell." Ian smiled, he gave a little bow before exiting the court as Easton followed behind him.
"Ian! Come back here this instant!" Phillip shouted, however, Ian deliberately ignored him, causing him to run after him and Endron followed closely behind him.
Everyone was left completely speechless after the sudden change of events. They were expecting Dariel to be casted down, yet he was lifted up right in front of their eyes.
"Let this be a lesson to all, I am not a man to be trifled with, my crown prince is my son in law, if you cross paths with me, you cross paths with me." Dariel stated as he took his leave with grace.