The Traitor by A. Lombardo (i can read with my eyes shut TXT) 📕

the corners and added more supports every ten feet, each drawn out by ropes and anchored by large metal spikes the men drove into the ground. Inside they unrolled two decorative carpets, upon which they placed tall thrones for the Queen and her two boys and smaller chairs for the council members.

First, five Kempery-men, each with four Mryken sentry dogs, approached the newly constructed tent. Unsure of their purpose, Kai reached out and sensed their confidence and dedication. Their ears perked to his probing, and they turned their heads toward him, yielding to his Beastmaster's will. If the Mryken were meant for more than show, they would no longer heed anyone’s desire but his.

The second set of guards formed an outer ring around the tent, a mix of Milnos and Diu soldiers with Regent Maxwell in the lead. He and his men were a surprise to Kai; given the nature of this meeting, he expected Dante and Cazier to keep this event restricted to Diu council members. Still, he understood Nola would keep her one true ally close, and she clearly had sway over today’s proceedings.

As the council assembled, Kai’s heart pounded in his throat. It was now his turn. Eugene, Drew, Robert, and Riome approached alongside him. Holding his empty hands up, he eyed the Mryken dogs with the Kempery-men standing guard at his entrance. While his friends held back just inside, Kai stood closer to the center of the vaulted tent facing the council.

On his right, Sigry, the palace physician, offered his usual scowl, followed by Grand Duke Dante Carmelo, who appeared unforgiving with a touch of sadness threatening to overtake his typical pleasant nature. In the center, Queen Nola sat with her two sons Aaron and Seth. She oozed confidence below her smug expression.

Beside Seth was Master General Adrian Cazier, who stared at his daughter Riome. Kai imagined it was difficult to be on opposite sides. In the last seat was Admiral Roark Raebun, the Red Warrior, sitting on the edge of his chair with his fingers dancing on the hilt of his sword.

Lastly, near the tent's edge, Dresnor stood, seemingly unwilling to commit to one side. His body was rigid, and his gaze held a thousand-yard stare.

Nola’s indifferent, bored expression worried Kai. Was her confidence so strong that she did not even worry about what he might say? The other faces and hateful expressions burned a hole in his heart. Seth appeared broken and empty. His gaze was hollow, and he stared at nothing near his feet. The boy wore no embellishments befitting his royal title. The cuffs of his white shirt did little to hide the scaring and deep bruising from his prison restraints. Why was Seth marched out here for this? Kai found it difficult to stomach the pain his mistake had caused—and the idea a mother could be so cruel.

On the contrary, Aaron displayed a self-righteous expression, holding his head high as though he was already the crowned King of Diu and everyone should bow to his presence. The crown perched on the boy’s head was grander than it should be for a prince—another bit of Nola’s handiwork on display.

Grand Duke Carmelo addressed the group. “According to Diu law, Prince Kai has the right to be heard by the council. Tell us why you murdered your father and where you have hidden his body.”

The contempt Kai felt the last time he stood before these people felt was nothing compared to how they looked at him today. Each one no longer held even an ounce of feeling for him. Even his cousin Cazier’s narrow gaze swelled with hate. How could he possibly hope to win them over? Should he even say anything? The gray line between guilt and innocence blurred, leaving him unsure he deserved forgiveness.

Roark rose from his chair and growled, “He is wasting our time. Seize this traitor. He murdered the King, and I will serve justice.”

Drew stepped next to Kai. “You will let the Prince speak. No disrespect, Admiral, but sit back down.” His voice carried as much weight as his stare, and Roark sat but continued to seethe.

“Before I address the court regarding my father,” Kai finally said, “I have news for the Grand Duke. This is personal information, and I did request a private council, but Dante refused. In my search to prove my innocence, I discovered the murder of Barton Manzini, husband to your cousin Louisa Carmelo-Manzini. Two men buried him in the forest between here and Port Anahita, about five miles from here—a well-dressed Milnosian man named Darwin and a hunter who goes by Carter from Port Anahita.”

“Lies!” Roark shouted, rising up in his chair but not standing. “He aims to distract the council. You will not garner trust with your lies, boy!”

“How do we know you speak the truth, Kai?” Dante asked, sounding hesitant to trust.

“When you last saw Louisa, how did she act?” Kai posed the question feeling confident he gained ground with Dante. “If I remember correctly, she was like a sister to you and came to the palace daily. Could they use her against you?”

The concerned look on Dante’s face hinted the Grand Duke felt concerned.

“The man, Darwin,” Kai continued, “should be sporting a large contusion on his left cheek where I struck him with a short wooden club. Also, I have a button I cut from his cloak. The initials D.W. embossed into the button may be proof enough if your cousin’s wife knows such a man. I have no idea if she is a victim or if she conspired with Darwin to remove her husband or what Darwin hoped to gain given access to you through Louisa.” Kai handed the button to Drew, who offered it to Dante.

He then continued. “The hunter, Carter, did not fare as well. During questioning, I modified his jawline with his hunting knife. When the man pulled