Shattered Sanity

(The Morning Of The Imperial Hearing, Drew’s POV)

’Today, I need to look more regal than the Emperor himself.’

Drew thought as he stared at his reflection in the large mirror, allowing his personal servants to dress him in the most immaculate ceremonial robes he possessed.

The outfit was amongst the most expensive in his collection, adorned with intricate golden embroidery and bearing the insignia of House Dawnriver prominently upon his chest.

Although Drew rarely bothered with such extravagant displays of wealth, today was an exception, as he intended to remind everyone attending the Imperial hearing that he was a Duke of the Valdrak Empire, and that his status was in no way inferior to those who would be sitting in judgment of his son.

”Are you ready to depart, old friend?”

A familiar voice suddenly interrupted his internal thought, as entering the chamber was Archimedes, who wore the same unremarkable robes he ordinarily wore as the chief librarian of White Castle.

”I am..... but what about you?”

Drew replied, glancing towards his old friend through the mirror.

However, instead of answering, Archimedes merely smiled before pulling aside a portion of his robes, as he revealed a layer of finely crafted chainmail concealed underneath.

For a moment, the two men simply stared at one another, before a broad smile gradually spread across Drew’s face.

They had known each other for far too many years to require an explanation for such a gesture, as Drew understood perfectly well what Archimedes was trying to convey.

Whatever happened inside the Imperial Court today, his old friend was prepared to stand beside him, even if matters deteriorated into open violence.

”Seeing you in that chainmail has gotten me all fired up, old friend.”

Drew muttered, letting out a hearty chuckle.

”Honestly, I hope the Emperor does something foolish today and gives me an excuse to kill him right then and there. It would suuuree save me a great deal of trouble.”

Drew added, as Archimedes chuckled at the remark before shaking his head.

”We can dream, but it’s unlikely to come true.

Diomande might be an arrogant bastard, but I doubt he’s foolish enough to provoke you into a fight inside his own throne room.”

He replied, adjusting his robes to conceal the chainmail once more.

”Although, if such an opportunity does present itself, I sincerely hope it falls to me rather than you.”

Drew raised an eyebrow.

”Oh? And why is that?”

”Because I wouldn’t mind having a go at that weakling myself.”

Archimedes answered with a mischievous grin.

For a moment, Drew stared at him before bursting into laughter, while Archimedes joined him with an equally amused expression.

However, beneath their lighthearted exchange, both men understood the seriousness of the situation awaiting them, as neither could guarantee that they would return to White Castle alive today.

Once the servants had finished adjusting his ceremonial robes, Drew dismissed them with a wave of his hand before accompanying Archimedes towards the corridor.

There, they found Riven waiting patiently outside the chamber, dressed in the formal attire prepared for his appearance before the Imperial Court.

”Good morning, Father.”

Riven greeted, straightening his posture as the two men approached.

”Morning, boy.”

Drew acknowledged with a slight nod.

”Tell me, are you nervous about today’s hearing?”

Riven looked directly into his father’s eyes before shaking his head.

”No, Father. With you accompanying me to the trial, I have nothing to be nervous about.”

Riven muttered confidently, prompting Drew to let out a faint scoff, although a trace of satisfaction remained visible upon his face as he examined the boy standing before him.

”Good. That’s how it should be.”

He replied, folding his hands behind his back.

”Now, I don’t expect much from you today. Archimedes has already spent enough time explaining what you should say and what you should avoid, so I trust that you’ll remember his instructions.”

Drew paused briefly before continuing.

”However, there’s something far more important that I want you to keep in mind.”

Riven listened attentively.

”Once you are in that courtroom, and the centre of attention for all eyes to see... I need you to keep your head high, your shoulders straight, and your posture dignified.

From the second they lay their eyes on you, I want every noble present to understand that you are not a common criminal but rather a bloody Dawnriver.”

Drew instructed, his voice becoming noticeably firmer.

”You’re above all those filthy mongrels, and regardless of what accusations they throw at you, I will not tolerate seeing you cowering before anyone. Do you understand?”

”Yes, Father.”

Riven answered immediately, prompting Drew to nod approvingly before continuing.

”Good. Now, there’s one more thing I want you to remember.

From what I understand, your halberd will be presented during the hearing as evidence concerning the Academy massacre, and if the opportunity presents itself, I want you to reclaim it.”

Drew said, looking directly into Riven’s eyes.

”A man’s weapon is an extension of his honor, boy, and having yours locked away in an enemy’s armory is an insult that no self-respecting warrior should tolerate. So grab it, and don’t give it back.”

He paused briefly before adding with a faint smile.

”Consider it a little test of your boldness. If you wish to please me today, then show everyone that a Dawnriver isn’t afraid to claim what rightfully belongs to him.”

Drew encouraged, as Riven nodded along obediently.

”I understand, Father. If the opportunity presents itself, I shall definitely reclaim Sky-Cleaver.”

Riven replied without hesitation, as Drew gave him one final glance of approval before turning towards the servants waiting at the far end of the corridor.

”Prepare the carriage. We depart for the Imperial capital at once.”

Drew commanded, as together the three of them strode towards the pegasi stables.

For Riven, the approaching Imperial hearing had his heart racing with nervousness over his uncertain future, although the two men beside him were equally apprehensive, for unlike Riven, Drew and Archimedes understood that all hell could break loose before the day was over.