A Hunch

"I have been thinking about it… what if the court Wanted me to come here and send an assassin to kill me?" there was a silence as Frederic looked at Kiyoko who shrugged as he was still unsure of the government system.

"if that's so dad, they would be stepping over their boundaries in the balance of powers bill" Oji looks out the window at the passing early morning scenery.

"well, if they make it out to look like they are keeping the class system in check by doing so, then they are allowed to, so it isn't impossible" Frederic gasps as he stands up shaking the carriage before clearing his throat and sitting down.

"the letter they sent addresses the reason as us not being popular enough among the class, and since we haven't been able to deal with the ongoing riots between the Demi human's and other civilians living in the low class, that would give them reason to suspect us and try to wipe us out in favor for a family who agrees in the court of appeals ideals" the king nods as Oji turns to them.

"what if it is the court, but also isn't the court?" this grabbed everyone's attention, even Kiyoko who hadn't understood a single word of their conversation.

"I don't get it Oji, how could that be possible?" he looked at his dad and sighed.

"just think about it you guys, currently there is a rebellion within the court members… they believe the court of Appeals has too much power over everyone else, so in secret they could send an assassin and one of the lesser in power royal families and have the assassin try to kill them, the High class Royal family would take notice and try to accuse them of the crime, most likely passing another bill decreasing the power the Court of Appeals holds" the king looks at Frederic then back at Oji as does Kiyoko.

"why would they put themselves through all that struggle just to lower the power the court of appeals has?" there was a silence as Oji looked back out the window, the sun finally starting to breach the horizon.

"I'm not sure, this is honestly all just a hunch" they all looked at each other before nodding and doing their own thing. Frederic lays down to get some extra rest as Oji and Kiyoko watch the sunrise.

After a while Frederic woke up and they all kept talking, keeping the 'Hunch' in the back of their minds until they got home. the guards open the gate for them as they enter the castle. they all look around and are finally happy to return home. Galliun opened the carriage door for them and helping them out. Frederic takes a deep breath.

"oh man, boy it feels good to be back!" Kiyoko nods as he looks around at the castle. images and thoughts of a completely destroyed castle fill his mind. in his thoughts the castle's walls had all fallen and the main structure was near collapsing. he shook his head and swatted away a few flies.

"you okay Kiyoko?" Kiyoko looks up to Frederic and rubs his arm.

"yeah, just… overthinking things" he looked away from Frederic and back at the castle before walking off. Frederic watches as Kiyoko walks away feeling bad for his friend who suddenly became sad for no reason at all leaving him a bit stunned. Aristol walks up to Galliun and looks up at the head guard.

"gather your strongest guards and meet me in the throne room, i have something to discuss with you" he walks away to the castle behind Kiyoko. Galiun watching with stern eyes and a glare that could kill. he walks away asking Oji to follow him leaving Frederic by himself. later that afternoon Galliun walked in with three guards that he decided were fit for the king's important information. he told them where to stand and all four guards bowed as Aristol stands up from his seat on the throne.

"thank you for everything Galliun the III, you are definitely a worthy and Honorable knight" he looked up at Aristol who was in full king garments

"i thank you King Aristol for the appreciation, just doing my job" Aristol nods and motions the four knights to stand. he comes down off the platform the throne was sitting on to stand in front of them. he tells the four guards every ounce of information and suspicion he has about the court of appeals situation and gets an update on the Demi-human and civilians as the guards that roam the town are starting to believe there could be a war between the two groups. after several hours of discussion the king ends the meeting asking to see Oji, Frederic, and Kiyoko. after a few minutes they walk in, Oji wiping his eyes.

"did i call you at a bad time Oji?" he looked up wiping his eyes again and nodding as Kiyoko and Frederic look in surprise

"so, what do you need dad?" Kiyoko looked up at the king.

"well, Frederic, I'm going to tell you about Tokume" this caught their attention as their dad took a step down from the throne.

"so then?, what is it?" Oji looked at the king as did Kiyoko and Frederic.

"well, I will make it simple… It's a type of ability that takes form in the eyes that only those with demon heritage can obtain. the ability given is different for everyone. the Tokume is the reason Kiyatana Ikasuma is the current chief of war" they all stared at him in shock as Oji catches himself.

"what?, why haven't you ever told us this?" Frederic and Kiyoko nodded simultaneously.

"as its only obtainable by those with demon blood, I didn't want to risk anything. if it is discovered that one of my sons are part demon. things within the country could go downhill" Oji slowly sneaks away as the king watches leaving just Kiyoko and Frederic.

"well, you two better go get some rest" Frederic nodded and walked away as Kiyoko stayed.

"what is it Kiyoko?" he walked up to the king.

"i… i wanna ask about something" the king smiles and leans down to be eye level with him. Kiyoko opening his mouth to speak.