The Cassians were escorted towards a small court building situated a short distance from the harbour.
Unlike the grand buildings surrounding the royal palace, the court was modest in size. A vast open yard surrounded it, with patches of trimmed grass, flowering shrubs, and several large trees providing shade from the afternoon sun.
The summer heat hung over the grounds, though a gentle breeze occasionally swept across the field.
Several soldiers patrolled the area, their eyes constantly shifting between the courtyard and the court entrance. A few others stood near the building, keeping watch over those who came and went.
As the group approached the entrance, they noticed the empty benches in the open space just outside the court’s main doors. It was the designated waiting area for those summoned before the court.
Rafe and the knights were led across the yard until they finally halted before two guards stationed at the front of the building.
The two men immediately turned their attention towards the group.
"Stop there," one of them ordered. "Report their case."
"Case 113. They are the foreigners running the free Healer House at the city port of Sabel," the escorting officer reported.
"Oooo... that Healer House!" the first guard exclaimed, his eyes widening slightly as he looked over the entourage. He appeared almost excited to meet them.
"You seem to have been expecting us," Kyren remarked, noticing the gleam in his eyes.
The guard smirked.
"Well... I must say, your case is unique, and your Healer House is quite well known. News travels fast about the free services you provide to the people. Of course, unfortunately, offering such services without paying the required service tax is against the law here," he said. "I’m sorry about that."
"Don’t be. It hasn’t been proven yet whether what we did is against the law. We haven’t been put on trial yet. If we were already considered guilty, wouldn’t we have been bound or placed in custody by now?" Eric replied.
"This is not a criminal court, so there is no reason to bind you at this stage. You would only be restrained if a sentence had been passed requiring it, or if you had resisted when you were summoned," the escorting officer explained. "But since you have cooperated fully, there was no need for such measures."
"Fair enough," said Kyren. "Thank you for the respect."
The guard looked at the Grand Duke.
The towering man stood before him, his face almost entirely covered by an untrimmed moustache and beard, leaving only his piercing blue eyes visible.
Yet it was not his rugged appearance that unsettled the guard. It was Kyren’s steady presence, which stirred an instinctive sense of intimidation.
He tried to hold the Grand Duke’s gaze, but those deep blue eyes stayed fixed on him.
After a moment, he found himself unable to meet them any longer and quickly averted his eyes.
"Are these all of them who operated the facility?" he asked the escorting officer.
"We left one behind on Sabel Island. His name is Armel Chester. Apparently, he’s their rookie and runs errands. We didn’t take him with us because he’s still under seventeen," the officer explained.
The guard nodded.
"Noted. For this case, only those eighteen or older are liable. Bringing an underage person would be useless. You made a wise decision."
"He was persistent about following us, though. Thankfully, his Captain managed to convince him to stay," the escorting officer added, turning towards Kyren.
The guard glanced at the Grand Duke once more, now understanding the source of the man’s imposing aura.
Something unmistakable marked the way Kyren carried himself. He had the natural authority of someone accustomed to leading others.
He did not need to demand attention. It simply came to him.
The officer then stretched out an arm towards the empty benches.
"Please, be seated here. Another case is currently ongoing, so you will have to wait until it is finished. It should be concluded soon," he said.
His tone remained stern out of duty, but his words held respect.
The knights moved ahead. However, Elis soon fell behind, her steps slowing. She bowed her head, pressing a hand against her temple as the dizziness returned.
"You’re not all right. You need to sit down," Athillia said, having remained by her side throughout the journey. She carefully held the princess consort by the arm to steady her.
Eli, a step behind them, immediately approached with a concerned look.
"You’re paler now, my lady. The journey must have taken a toll on you. You need to rest," he said.
The knights halted, all turning towards Elis.
"I’m fine... really," she said, trying to reassure them.
"You’re not. You’ve been holding back the entire way," Kyren said.
He then turned towards the escorting officer.
"Is it possible for her to be exempted from the hearing? She obviously needs to rest and recover."
"That..." The officer glanced back at Elis and paused.
His eyes lowered towards her belly. The bump beneath her cloak was difficult to notice at first, but the opening at the front revealed enough to make it clear that she was pregnant.
He was about to refuse, but then he realised how pale her complexion had become. The sight softened his expression.
He had a pregnant wife waiting for him at home, and he knew all too well how exhausting a journey could be in such a condition.
"We don’t have a proper waiting room, except for the benches here," he said after a moment. "But perhaps she can sit on the seat in the garden yard under the shade, with one of our officers accompanying her. The interrogation may take some time and can be exhausting, so she can wait there instead."
He then added, "However, if her testimony is required, or when the ruling is to be made, she will be called in."
"May I accompany her?" Athillia asked earnestly. "It would be rather improper for a lady in her condition to be left in the company of a man alone."
The officer paused, taking a moment to consider her request.
"Very well. We will let you know if you are needed," he said to the Bargesian Princess.
Athillia smiled gratefully and nodded courteously. Taking Elis by the hand, she led her away from the group towards the seats in the garden yard, just a short distance from the court building.
As the two women left, the men took their seats on the benches.
They waited in silence. The afternoon breeze drifted through the open waiting area, stirring the leaves above them and offering occasional relief from the summer heat.
Minutes passed, followed by nearly an hour. The sunlight shifted across the courtyard, casting changing patterns of shade over the stone floor. Some of the knights sat upright, while others leaned back against the benches.
Rafe kept glancing toward the court doors. At the same time, Eric remained seated with his arms folded, while Noah tapped one foot against the stone floor, his expression growing increasingly bored.
Finally, the healer turned his head to the Mederian officers.
"Is this going to take any longer?"
One of the escorting officers beckoned to the guard and whispered something into his ear. The latter nodded, then walked toward the court doors.
Within seconds, he disappeared behind them, then returned moments later.
"The current case has not yet been concluded. Please be patient," he said.
The healer exhaled and gave a resigned nod.
Beside him, Noah huffed. Nevertheless, he did not complain and simply sat there.
Another stretch of time passed.
Then, finally, the court doors opened.
A court guard stepped outside and called out their case number.
"Case one-one-three!"
Kyren and his knights immediately rose from their seats.
Their eyes sharpened, the weariness of waiting replaced by anticipation as they prepared themselves for their trial.
"Follow me," the guard instructed.
The group entered the small court.
The interior was modest but orderly. A raised wooden dais stood at the far end of the room, where a long table sat. The presiding officer sat behind it, with several scrolls arranged neatly before him.
The knights were directed to stand in a line before the dais.
Kyren stood at the front, with Rafe and the others behind him.
The escorting officer announced the group’s details and introduced each member. He also mentioned Elis, who was pregnant and had been allowed to rest in the garden, accompanied by Athillia.
The presiding officer nodded, objecting to nothing about the two ladies remaining outside. He then picked up the first scroll and carefully unrolled it.
"Case 113. The people before this court are a group of foreigners apprehended at the city port of Sabel Island for operating a healing facility and providing medical services without paying the required service tax."
He paused, scanning the document.
"The facility, known locally as the Blue Mantle Company’s Healer House, was operated with authorisation from the authorities. However, because its medical services were provided free of charge, the facility failed to comply with the service-tax requirements governing medical establishments within the kingdom."
Rafe’s expression tightened at the wording.
The presiding officer continued, "According to the report submitted by the authorities, the accused have acknowledged operating the facility but have disputed the applicability of the service tax."
Eric raised an eyebrow.
’Disputed’ was putting it mildly.
The presiding officer then continued reading.
"The court has therefore been requested to determine whether the accused knowingly violated the Mederian law by failing to pay the required levy."
"My Lord."
Kyren stepped forward slightly. The officer lowered the scroll and looked at him.
"Yes? Do you have anything to say in response to this accusation?"
The grand duke remained composed.
"None. However, I wish to invoke the Petition for Royal Audience and Protection Act."
The presiding officer’s expression changed. He looked genuinely surprised.
"On what grounds?"
Kyren met his gaze.
"Our actions were not committed for personal gain. The Healer House was established to provide medical treatment to people who could not afford it."
He paused.
"We treated anyone who came through our doors. We charged nothing and also asked nothing in return."
The presiding officer studied him carefully.
Kyren continued, "We believe our actions were performed for the benefit of the people. Therefore, under the Act, we wish to petition for a direct audience with His Majesty so that the circumstances surrounding our actions may be considered before judgment is passed."
The presiding officer lowered his eyes to the scroll in his hands.
At first, he said nothing. Then he looked back at Kyren.
"How do you know about this petition? Obviously, you and your men are foreigners who have only recently set foot on this island."
"We did not come here blindly," Kyren replied. "Before we arrived, we made certain to learn what laws and protections were available to us. This petition is one of them."
The presiding officer narrowed his eyes slightly.
"And who informed you of it?"
"A friend," the Grand Duke answered simply. "Someone who studied the laws of the Mederians well enough to know that we have the right to seek an audience with the King."
The presiding officer smirked as he looked down at the scroll.
"Seems like the people you helped have returned great favours to you. That ’friend’ is surely knowledgeable. I’m not surprised," he said.
"Then, would you accept our petition?" Kyren asked again.
The presiding officer looked at him for a moment, seemingly amazed.
Despite being a foreigner who had only recently arrived in Mederian territory, the grand duke spoke with remarkable confidence, and his posture carried innate leadership, as if he were accustomed to such proceedings.
"Of course. If the petition satisfies the conditions of the Act, I have no authority to reject it," he said. "Which, in this case, it has. The report here clearly indicated that what you claimed just now was correct."
The knights’ eyes lit up with hope.
The presiding officer flipped the document in his hand to the next page and glanced over the details of their case.
"However, you do understand that invoking the petition does not dismiss the charges against your company, don’t you?" he asked.
"I do," said Kyren.
"And you also understand that the court may still impose a sentence should His Majesty determine that your actions constitute an offence?"
"I do."
The presiding officer leaned back slightly.
"Very well." He reached for another scroll. "I shall submit the petition accordingly."
He scribbled a note on the document, then pressed his official seal onto it. Turning to one of his court officers, he handed over the scroll.
"Pass this to the royal court and request an immediate audience with His Majesty the King, as required by the petition."
"Yes, my lord," his subordinate replied, taking the scroll and quickly leaving.
The presiding officer then turned back to the Cassians before him.
"Since your case is the last one for the day, please wait here for a moment."
Kyren nodded and calmly stepped back. His men exchanged glances, their expressions filled with growing hope.
So far, their plan had gone remarkably smoothly. It would only be a matter of time before they finally achieved what they had come here for.
After a short wait, the royal court confirmed that the petition had been accepted.
The presiding officer nodded in acknowledgement.
"Let’s proceed to the royal court," he said, standing up.
"We won’t be tried here?" Noah asked. The other Cassians were equally surprised.
"No. Any trial involving His Majesty the King or a member of the Royal Family shall take place in the royal court within the inner palace," the presiding officer explained.
He then instructed a subordinate to call Elis and Athillia to join them.
A short while later, the court guard returned alone.
"My lord, the pregnant lady has fallen asleep."
"Asleep?"
"Yes. She appears to be resting quite soundly. Should we wake her?"
Kyren looked at the presiding officer with a concerned expression. As if understanding his concern, the man shook his head.
"Let her take her rest. If necessary, we can retrieve her later."
Kyren visibly relaxed at the answer.
"What about the lady accompanying her?" his subordinate asked again.
The presiding officer looked back at him.
"Let them stay together. Being pregnant is difficult enough. At least let her accompany her friend. If the pregnant lady suddenly starts vomiting or complains of pain, do you want to be the one to take care of her?"
"No, my lord!" his subordinate replied quickly, bowing his head.
Eric turned away, struggling to hold back his smile.
Thankfully, the Mederian officers they had encountered were far more humane than the stories they had heard.
Perhaps the uniqueness of their case had something to do with it. Throughout the process, they had been treated fairly and with a surprising degree of respect rather than hostility.
The group was soon escorted from the small court building by the Mederian officers, including the presiding officer.
They stepped out into the warm afternoon air and walked along the paved road leading towards the inner palace.
The surroundings gradually changed as they moved deeper into the royal district. The modest buildings around the court gave way to larger stone structures, with sturdy walls.
Neatly maintained gardens lined the road, while tall trees provided patches of shade along the walkway.
Alex and Drystan looked around with obvious interest, taking in every unfamiliar sight. Even Eli, who usually remained focused on his duties, occasionally glanced towards the palace grounds and the soldiers stationed along the way.
Rafe, however, barely noticed his surroundings.
His heart was filled with excitement.
He was going to see Callis.
After everything that had happened, after all the distance and uncertainty that had kept them apart, he was finally getting closer to her. He could hardly contain his anticipation.
Noah and Luke were less distracted. Their eyes constantly moved from one side of the road to the other, cautiously.
Eric, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying himself. His eyes wandered over the palace grounds, and a playful smile occasionally appeared on his face as though he were already imagining the excitement they might encounter.
Kyren remained cool as usual. He walked at the front of the group with a steady composure. But beneath that unwavering exterior, his heart was pounding.
Anna was here. Somewhere beyond those palace walls was the woman he had crossed the sea to find. He was closer to her than he had been in months.
Yet he kept his thoughts to himself, letting only his steady steps keep his emotions in check. He could not afford to lose his composure—not when he was finally so close to her.
Eventually, the towering walls of the inner palace came into view.
The group was led through the palace grounds and into a royal court building. Once inside, the officers directed them towards their seats.
"Please wait here," the royal court officer who welcomed them instructed. "Your case will be attended to shortly by His Highness, Prince Kiev."
Rafe froze.
"Prince... Kiev?"
His face turned as white as a sheet.
The others reacted almost immediately. Even Kyren’s calm expression hardened slightly.
"Why Prince Kiev?" the grand duke asked.
The royal court officer turned to him.
"His Highness has been assigned to attend to your petition on behalf of the king."
"And why is His Majesty not attending?" Kyren pressed.
"His Majesty is currently unavailable. He is attending to an important matter."
Kyren’s expression remained firm.
"Then we will wait."
The royal court officer looked slightly surprised.
"I’m afraid that will not be possible."
"Why not?"
"His Majesty is occupied with an investigation that requires his immediate attention."
Kyren’s eyes narrowed.
"The petition requires His Majesty himself to hear it. What could possibly be more important than a petition made under an Act that specifically grants us the right to seek an audience with the King? Unless there is a war taking place, I fail to see what could take precedence."
The royal court officer shifted uneasily. The presiding officer remained silent as this was not within his jurisdiction. However, his expression showed he agreed with the grand duke.
"His Majesty is investigating an unusual incident concerning the magical barrier surrounding Semeta."
"The barrier?" Eric repeated.
"Yes. The barrier was temporarily disarmed."
The escorting officer, who had accompanied them from the earlier court, suddenly interjected, "My lord, if I may..."
The royal court officer turned towards him.
"It happened when we passed through the barrier."
The royal court officer and the presiding officer stared at him.
"You mean... your vessel?"
"Yes, my lord."
The royal court officer looked between the escorting officer and the group.
"That cannot possibly be because of you. How could such a powerful barrier yield to a mere group of accused foreigners? There must be another reason."
Rafe felt his heart lurch. Slowly, he turned towards Kyren, alarm flashing across his face.
Kyren met his gaze. He knew exactly what worry lay behind his healer’s eyes, and it had nothing to do with the conversation between the two officers.
Rather...
Kiev was coming.
And if that happened, Rafe would have no chance of seeing Callis. Kyren might lose his chance to meet Anna, too.
They all knew how stubborn and unyielding the Mederian prince could be. Their entire mission could fail before they even had a chance to explain why they had come to Semeta.
Rafe swallowed hard.
’Oh, no!’
This was not how things were supposed to go.