Exiled Cousin (2)

Ashton's curiosity burned within him as he watched the tense exchange between Adri and the Emperor. Unable to contain his intrigue any longer, he turned to Minister Theron.

"Who is that, talking to the Emperor so casually?" Ashton asked, trying to hide his annoyance.

Theron glanced at Ashton, a flicker of sadness passing through his eyes. "That 'lunatic,' as you so aptly put it, is Adri. He was once a candidate for the throne, but he fell out of favour with the former Emperor."

"Wait, what?" Anna interjected. 

"That is true," Theron shook his head, his eyes growing sadder by the passing moment. "He was... exiled a while back. Those were the former Emperor's final orders as he passed away."

Ashton's eyebrows furrowed, his mind racing to piece together the puzzle. "Why was he exiled? What did he do to warrant such punishment?"