Bloody Ring pt 2

The sound of a smack rang out through the quiet room. Gilbert's eyes went wide. The Priest, out of anger backhanded the Lady with the full force of his god. The sun emblem ring on his finger dragged across her face leaving a neat cut on her cheek. She'd fallen to the ground with the force of his hit. Stunned, the young woman stayed like that for a moment, before she lifted herself up, running the gloved hand against the cut, pulling it back to see blood staining the delicate fabric. She ran her thumb against it before those eyes turned to meet the Rudolph's again.

A shiver ran down Gilbert's spine. The cold intensity of her stare hadn't wavered. It looked like Lady Ross been stung by a bug, not slapped by a priest. She locked the insolent man where he stood with an invisible hand. Moments passed and the room stood stopped in time. The swirling gold in her eyes chilled.

"This has gone far enough!"

Finally! Warren returned from where ever he was hiding. Lord Ross stormed in just a ahead him, rushing to Lady Rosses side when he saw her sprawled out on the ground. Kneeling down beside his lady, he reached out with a shaky hand, caressing the cut on her cheek. Something stirred in his expression as he felt her blood on his fingertips. "I'm so sorry, my Lady," He whispered to her. He wrapped his arms around her, trying to shield her from a nonexistent threat. Lady Ross leaned in towards him, her lips near his ear. "It's just a cut, Edwin," she muttered back. Lord Ross wasn't soothed by those words. " I let an insignificant piece of trash lay his hands on you, I'm so sorry."

Warren strutted past the two, yanking the priest's hand off Gil's collar and shoving him back. When had Warren gotten so strong?

"I would appreciate you keep your hands off my Aid," he spat, before turning to Gil. "Are you alright?" He asked. "F-fine... I- I'm Fine. Where were you?" the young servant stuttered out. Warren gave him a soft smile. "We'll talk about that later," He said, before facing Rudolph once more. "I think it's about time you leave," He scowled. As he moved towards him, the two enforcers stepped up to block him. "I will not leave until you've handed over the report and retract that ludicrous investigation!" He sounded like a madman now.

"I don't think you understand the position you're in now," Lord Ross interjected, helping his Lady to her feet. "You attacked my wife and you drew blood. Now, I am new to the judicial system of the empire, but in the Seth Kingdom the assault of a Duchess by a commoner is a serious crime. Lord Salphus, if I may inquire, what is the punishment for attacking a Noble Lady?" He asked, though despite his question being directed at Warren, his eyes never left the Priest. Never wavering. He looked like a snake poised for the perfect strike.

Gilbert moved his gaze nervously to Warren. He could do nothing but watch. Whatever fear for the inquisitor Warren had earlier was gone. He seemed confident, untouchable. "Our laws are similar to yours. If blood is drawn then the punishment for the crime is death, carried out at your discretion, Lord Ross."

"T-This is absurd!" Rudolph howled. "Of conspiracy and heresy!" He cried out. The rat had been cornered. "The Temple will not have any of this....this...absolute crockery!"

"Absolute crockery?" Lord Salphus chuckled. It was a strange sound to come out of his master in this circumstance. "I have here....oh...forty or fifty witnesses," he said, gesturing to the room full of young nobles and officials. "And let's see, the judgement of how many governors?" He asked.

A still fell amongst the gathering. They couldn't believe he wanted representative's of the Governor to step forward against the Temple. Accusing the Temple amounted to political suicide! It didn't matter how well respected House Salphus was. This was not the time to draw the line of friend or foe. Or at least that's what Gil had assumed would happen. Lord Withrop, however, didn't much seem to care for the repercussions.

"I will judge on behalf of Sorswift," Lord Withrop said, stepping forward. Murmurs rippled across the group.

"I will judge on behalf of Saffron Coast," The second son of another Governor said, pushing forward out of the crowd.

Warren smiled. That smile reminded him all too much of Lord Ross's. When had Warren found himself such an ally?

"And I will judge on behalf of Kar. So that's three States, all finding you guilty of assault. If I were you, good sir, I would be praying to Cors that Lord Ross or Lady Ross choose to have mercy on you," He said.

Gilbert knew this was a power move. While Warren was not lying about the law, and Lord Ross was within his right to punish his Lady's assailant (especially with three states agreeing on the judgement) it would be a bold, yet incredibly stupid move. Making the decision as a Lord, a Husband, or as a... whatever he was... There would be massive consequences for executing the Inquisitor, no matter the reasoning. However, that look in Lord Ross's eye was too vengeful to be ignored.

Silence took hold of the room. Anticipation now clung to the room like a strong perfume, moving from one guest to the next. Lord Ross seemed furious, as to be expected of a Duke of Seth. Everyone knew that in that kingdom the Dukes and Marquises clenched the power of the stake in tight fists of long-standing Houses.

"I shall relent today, and seek no retribution," Lord Ross said finally, relaxing a bit as he held Lady Ross to his side." I only ask that he be removed from the premises. This spectacle ruined what is supposed to be such a pleasurable evening."