Court of Blood_2

Lions Hall is left without volume for multiple minutes, all ten people surrounding him analyze Lions right. Edward letting his words sink in waits for someone to rebuke or congratulate him. Ready to respond whichever route the White Lion wills it.

Kayce Albert thinking that the Grand Elder is right "Does anyone raise voice against Edward becoming your Young Lord?" [he is not my son]

The hall continues to be quiet as the elders only exchanging glances amongst themselves 

"Nobody speaks against, then you are now the Young Lord of The North. The ring on your finger, and my blessing gives you authority, not without rival, but throughout the entire north. Now stand before me!"

"To complete this tradition, you are to spend a month in the Sacred Forest. You will travel to Soaring Lions peak within three nights to pay respects to your ancestors. Then the Grand Elder will guide you into the forest. Do you accept the privilege that is your duty, to your name?" Kayce Albert reaches out his hand leaning forward in his throne

"Father. I accept the privilege that I am who I am. This tradition is one that I will show you great things with." Not bowing Edward declares almost mockingly to Kayce and the Grand Elder, even Rhea picked up on the insult. 

[Elder brother Edward has changed in the deepest way. He conquered himself, there isnt any sign of fatigue let alone poison hindering him. I am kind of glad.] Rhea thinks to herself glancing at her ring with gu inside

"If you accept this responsibility then you will come back a different man. We will speak before you leave Young Lord."

"Thank you, my Lord." Taking his throne Edward is unaware of the direction court will flow before Liam and Lord Gregors arrival

"On a joyous day like today, I must mention my daughter, Rhea. Rhea you are not only beautiful, but your martial arts are definitely becoming complete. The Chi inside of you flows naturally and without hinder, in total calm. I am proud of who are becoming."

[He is foolish like his ancestor. I guess he cant see her soul like I can, while it is bright there is a darkened hole piercing almost into her mind. I have seen this before, its called the kiss of an angel. When people become lifted from spirit demons, their Chi and even soul burn from breaking its shackles. The process of breaking the chains is usually by simply gaining strength. That is why her internal energy is in its optimal state. This girl has killed me in her mind, then washed her hands of it. How demonic] Edward fascinated with Rhea waits for the time to interject

"You are a fine young woman, my Rhea. Which is why it saddens me to officially announce your engagement. While we all here knew it was unofficial, it now is official. Rhea is to be married to Prince Har-"

"Father! I dont want to be married. I REFUSE it!" Tears in her eyes Rhea confronts her resolve summoning her sword and placing it at her throat 

"I would rather kill myself here than live, like a toy to be tamed! I want to live by earning my pride!"

Rheas theatrics and harm cause the elders to start rioting, some pleading with Rhea, others take the chance to bad mouth a rival. Rhea unaffected by the noise remains focused on her father, yet he doesn't speak. Losing her hope in her defiance Edward speaks up

[This child went against the deepest part of herself and conquered it. Such a thing always seemed unnatural to me but I've seen many demons born from this. Having done such a deed, they are capable of doing much worse without it affecting them in the future]

"My Lords, mind your station. My sister has weapon to her throat, and you yell at each other, sit down and settle your tone this instant." Edward rising to his feet set his words in the minds of the elders who take a seat

"My sister, the path you want to walk is a solitary one. Lions earn their pride by blood, blood you must shed and take alone to prove you are strong. This is something that must be done constantly, or you will die to a stronger beast. Can you confidently say you can bear the life and death reality of the world?" Edward raises his hand towards Rhea, who knew this an opportunity undeserving of her.

Searching for the words she knew she must state them proudly, she gathers her voice loudly

"I WILL DO ANYTHING TO NOT MARRY THAT PRICK!" Rhea lowering her sword releases a plea heard outside of the hall

"HAHAHA" [This Harold must be a real piece of work for her to kill me over him. It matters not why you wish to walk the path I set for you, it only matters if you obediently walk it] summoning the crown he made prior 

"If you can swear it then swear it upon this crown. Swear that you will take the path of a predator! Swear you will never mate and constantly pursue your dao. If you swear these things here and now, then you will not be getting engaged. You will live a life that does not damage my houses reputation but spreads its glory. Rhea, know that this mercy is not with complete understanding. If you break these vows the pain of heaven draining your life wont take you, I will behead you first no matter where you are." Letting his words sink for a moment Edward continues

"Fuck who supports this idea, lets hear who is in disagreement. Speak now and present a warrior to die in your place!" Edwards announcement left the room shocked, the First Elder fell into deep thought about what he's witnessing [When a monarch makes a move, they balance everything. Taking the lady under his direct charge and taking the head of her poisoner in a single night. Edward is making complete use of the night, the young lady is very talented, and lucky for this]

"NOONE, opposes this vow. Then Rhea swear it in our presence. Then travel with me to vow before your ancestors." Edward lifts the crown towards Rhea using his Chi

[Elder brother is being as kind as he can to me. Letting me live a life by my own sense of left and right. He knows I had something to do with his health, thats what that warning was. Thank you, brother] 

Receiving the crown and reciting the vows Edward clearly worded for her she takes a seat in her chair, feeling heavy despite the small freedom given.

"Rhea now that you have taken these vows, you are a hunter of the family. You will enjoy the privileges you always have on top additional resources for your training. You now have expectations around yourself and, you must become stronger. I will give you the time and setting to prove yourself. Focus solely on your marital arts for now." 

"Thank you, Young Lord"

"You did the right things kid"

[Master Hao please spirit whisper, that martial art is annoying]

[Young Lord. Congratulations you have shielded the young lady perfectly from what comes next] Master Hao happy with court so far

[Question is when it will come, Master Hao. Lord Gregor should be here soon. So speak against the Seventh Elder]

"My Lord Patriarch, the young lady has taken a serious vow. To knowing and forcefully restrict her from it is cruel. Her position was made clear by the Young Lord" Master Hao confirming his support was legitimacy on top of backing, easing Kayce Alberts heart

"My daughter I told you I was proud of who you are becoming. That is truest in this moment, I wish you success in your walk with the dao." The deciding voice closes the matter. Rhea who was finally feeling free in her chair starts to tear up, but remains fierce trying to look tough

"Such a great day it is! HAHA Seventh Elder. My Lord Sham what do you think of it?" Kayce Albert still in good tone of voice asks

[why is he asking me directly?] "My Lord Patriarch, I am happy for the young master and young la-"

"It is. Young. Lord. Not young master. Elder Shams." Edward interrupts which is high disrespect in court, even saying the elders name incorrectly 

"Elder Shams stand up. Now walk towards me. Now stop don't step on my stairs!" Edward commanding the elder brought dread to the other elders. Knowing that they could also not withstand the current Edward.

TAP TAP TAP

Lord Gregor and Liam walk down from the third story steps into the rafters of the courtroom. Confidently walking with gazes and chatter following them, the servants make haste until reaching the steps of the thrones landing.

"My Lords! Apologies for being late, but we achieved what was assigned Young lord!" Liam and Lord Gregor bowing while the steward speaks for them both

"Liam stand guard right there at the steps. Do not allow this green garden snake to approach me. Lord Gregor go take a seat your presence and thoughts are needed."

[Tonight is not about proving my strength, but my power. Liam could push me to start getting into my bag of tricks in his current robust. You will show these people your superiority, and I gain from their fear]

Edwards mocking tone and insult cause Elder Sham to boil "Young Lord. What have I done to-"

"Liam restrain the accused." 

Liam stepping forth grabs Elder Shams neck and smashes a palm into his stomach, dispersing the flow of his Chi. Only having time to react internally and not physically, Elder Sham was trapped like a chicken waiting to be snapped. 

Flicking a tiny spec of his soul from his finger, Edward cosplays it as regular spirit flames on Elder Shams head "Liam there is a large amount of toxic material in his mouth. Remove it, this flame will keep him restrained" Edwards soul just being near Shams spirit caused his body to feel heavy and unable to summon strength. Liam rips out five teeth from his mouth, all the poisonous ones. Elder Sham feeling violated could not even speak from the weight of Edward. "Liam bring them here. The lot of these teeth release poison in great lethal and violent amounts. You summoned your Chi to activate these moments ago. These teeth would have drowned this hall, you are found guilty of attempted murdered. We have not even gotten into your other crimes, yet you are already a dead man. Liam place your sword at his neck if he resists behead him." Summoning his soul back into his body Edward sets the mood for true court