At noon, when the sun was at its hottest, a crowd gathered in the city square. They had heard that today there would be an announcement about the court’s decision and the appointment of a temporary authority.
The news had been spreading since morning, but so far, there was no sign of a palace spokesman. Some people went back home, but most stayed and waited.
Finally, at exactly 12 noon, a horse-drawn carriage from the palace arrived, followed by a line of knights on horseback. People quickly gathered around the stage in the town square, eager to hear the news.
A middle-aged man stepped out of the carriage. The crowd recognized him as the palace spokesman. He quickly walked toward the stage.
He signaled for everyone to stay calm and listen to the announcement from the palace.
With a loud and clear voice, he unrolled the scroll and read the official statement:
"In the name of the Crown of Valigria, it is hereby announced to all the people that Prince Sylas has been declared innocent of the poisoning of His Majesty King Adrien. The investigation has proven that he was not involved in the evil plot."
Whispers spread through the crowd. Some people felt relieved, while others were still unsure.
The spokesperson continued:
"The real culprit has confessed directly before the court. He will face public execution in two days, on the Third Day, at exactly ten o’clock in the morning, at the public podium in the capital city."
Voices rose from the crowd. "Who dared to poison the King? I want to know who it was."
"We must see the execution in two days." ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novèlfire.net
"Thank goodness. I always believed there was palace intrigue. How could Prince Sylas do such a terrible thing to his own father?"
The group of women who admired Sylas was just as loud. "Thank goodness my prince is innocent. I’ve been praying for his safety."
The spokesperson continued:
"In the name of justice and order, the people are asked not to spread any more rumors. This decision is final and based on the laws of Valigria."
The crowd fell silent for a moment, then some people who supported Prince Sylas began to cheer. However, many remained quiet, waiting for more news.
The spokesperson ended the announcement with a reminder that the next announcement, about the temporary authority would be made in two hours.
Meanwhile, at the palace, everyone was busy, especially the palace staff. Grand Chancellor Sir Bryon sat among the dukes and nobles in the royal court chamber. Sylas led the meeting to announce his temporary authority and the people who would help him.
The prince looked more mature than before, realizing that he couldn’t trust anyone. He knew that those sitting in front of him were just waiting for him to fail and could turn against him at any moment.
This made him feel bitter. He realized he had been used as a puppet all this time and had accepted it without question. He had been too weak.
With his father’s absence, he realized he had to stand on his own. He had to find his own source of strength.
This time, the burden felt more real and heavier. His mindset had changed, and he became more careful.
"Thank you for your support. I hope you will keep praying for His Majesty King Adrien’s recovery. Until then, I will take over all palace affairs. I ask for your cooperation," said Sylas.
He then politely dismissed them so they could return to their duties.
Bryon quickly stepped forward to ask for the Prince’s signature and official seal. He then applied the royal seal and made copies to send across the Valigria region.
As soon as the announcement was signed and sent out, Sylas wasted no time in getting to work.
Sylas handed General Huron a list of palace guards prepared by Alvaro, men suspected of supporting Prince Virouse.
"Move them to the Rhovan region. They can go with my uncle," Sylas said.
Huron looked at the list. He recognized some of the names, but he wondered how Sylas had gathered so many. Over a hundred names!
"Are you sure, Your Highness?" Huron asked.
Sylas nodded. "Put your trusted men in their place, General."
Huron looked at the list again, his brows furrowed at the first name. "Captain Hidran?"
"He was the first one I wanted removed."
Huron nodded. He felt that was a wise decision. He had already planned to dismiss some of them himself, but it looked like Sylas had other plans.
"Very well, Your Highness."
Huron looked at Sylas, who was already focused on a pile of papers on his father’s desk. Bryon stood nearby, ready to explain what needed to be done next.
Huron smiled. "This is your first day on the job, Your Royal Highness. Take it easy. I’ll be around if you need me," Huron said. Then he looked at Alvaro, who stood beside Sylas. "And Alvaro, of course."
Sylas looked up at Huron and smiled. "Thank you, General. Please, if you can, I need you tonight."
Huron looked curious but nodded. "All right, Your Highness. I’ll come around eight, if that works."
Sylas nodded. "That’s perfect."
Huron then left, while Sylas continued working with Bryon. In the hallway, he passed Virouse, who was walking from the opposite direction.
Virouse looked calm as always, with a slight smirk as he passed Huron.
Huron stopped and gave him a respectful bow. He felt uneasy when Virouse headed toward the royal office where Sylas was, but he trusted Sylas could handle it.
Sylas felt a headache coming on as he listened to Bryon explain things. The man pointed to different stacks of papers and explained what to do with them.
Sylas didn’t understand why anyone would want to be king. It wasn’t fun at all. He had to think about so many people when he barely had time to think about himself.
"My head is about to explode, Sir Bryon."
Bryon just smiled. "There’s no need to push yourself, Your Highness. It’s your first day. You’ve already done a lot today."
Sylas grabbed some papers, picked up a pen, and signed them. "I must see His Majesty right away. Can you call Doctor Rhanda, Sir Bryon? You can take these papers. I’ve already signed them."
Bryon took the papers and nodded. "Of course, Your Highness."
Just then, a guard announced Virouse’s arrival.
Sylas frowned right away. He took a deep breath. But he knew he had to face his uncle eventually. He told the guard to let Virouse in.