Exile (2)

"My punishment for disobedience is…, prince Sebastian stop talking. The people at the table could not stop themselves from whispering.

"Exile."

The room went quilt, nobody expected this outcome, not even the king. Julia took in a deep breath. He knew his brother was a fox. There was no way the king will Exile him, not with the Enemies that will attack the kingdom once the news spread.

"Your majesty, I will accept this punishment," prince Sebastian stood to his feet and bowed to the king.

The Generals seated in the room also felt their heartbeat increase. There was no way the king will take back his words. He was the king and his words were like laws. But would he really allow the prince to leave?

All the General seated knew the prince could kill them if the king tried to stop him by force. They could not afford an internal battle with the enemy closing in on them.

"Sit," king Rodrick said in a commanding tone. A lot of the Generals expected the prince to walk out but he took his seat.

Julia felt his heartbeat increase, he was sure that his bother wanted to put his father in a tight corner. Knowing the king he was such a man who would do anything to make Sebastian stay.

"You are not just her husband, you are a prince. As the crown prince of Avalo, It is your duty to defend the kingdom and keep the people safe.," the king said.

"No father, it is the duty of the king to keep his kingdom safe," Prince Sebastian argued. "As a prince, I have to keep my wife safe. If I can't keep my wife safe, how can I prove to the people that I will keep them safe in the future," Sebastian said looking at his father.

"You are the crown prince of this kingdom, you will fulfill your duties," the king said in a matter of fact tone.

"I am only the crown prince by title. Three of my brothers are still in the palace. They are challenging my claim to the throne. One of which even tried to convert my wife, yet you turn a blind eye. Tell me father do you treat me as your crown prince?" Sebastian asked.

"I was not aware of this issue. As a king and the head of the royal family, I grantee the safety of your wife. I will also seek for the one who tried to commit such a crime in my palace and deal with him according," King Rodrick declare. He knew he needed the prince, there was no way he would let him go, yet.

Julia's face went pale hearing the king's word. How could he have been so stupid to meet the madman's wife? The King was known to be a man of his words. Now that he has made such a declaration he would surely honor his words.

Julia balled his hands into a fist. Now he understood why his brother kept mute on the day of the ball. He must have brought up this issue at a time like this to force the hand of the king. Besides he does not remember trying to kill his wife.

No wonder he kept his identity safe waiting for the king to give him his words before calling him out.

"If his majesty gives his words, then I have no other reason to disobey the king," Prince Sebastian said.

"You have my words," the king answered. He knew his son must have figured out the issue about the poison. If he would not give his words to him, then the prince will leave the kingdom. This would only bring more problems to him. If he asked him to stay even after disobeying him then he would lose face.

He could only gritt his teeth in anger silently. In his mind, a time would come when he would be able to deal with him. Besides allowing the princess to live was not something too difficult to give.

"Thank you, your majesty," Prince Sebastian bowed. Although he was ready to leave the kingdom if the king would not stop him. He already anticipated this outcome. He was certain that Ellen will be safe, after all the king would not go ahead and lose face by killing Ellen as he has planned.

This outcome will also make Julia stay away from the princess since a death penalty has been placed on whoever tries to touch her.

The meeting continued as they made plans to deal with the three kingdoms that have risen against Avalo.

Prince Sebastian walked out of the room to go prepare for his journey. Although the king has given him his words, he still chooses to put some measures in place to keep Ellen safe while he was away.

"I did not know you were such a cry baby, " one of the prince teased once the king was out of sight. He knew his brother would not respond but he was surprised to see his brother pause.

"Now that I listen to your voice, it sounds just like the one that spoke to my wife on the day of the ball. Do you think I should tell his majesty about this?" Prince Sebastian stopped walking and turned to look at his brother.

The Smirk playing on Elliott's face froze. How did he miss the implication of what just happened in the meeting room? All the princes were suspects in the attempted murder of princess Ellen. One word from the crown prince and one of their heads will roll.

Seeing the expression on his brother's face, Sebastian busted into a fist of mockery laughter. There was nothing nice about the way he laughed.

His voice sent a shiver to his brothers They were so scared because this was the first time they heard him laugh. In fact. This was the first time he replied to any of their teases, usually he just walks away like they were not humans. This used to annoy them but hearing him answer for the first time made them more scared than they ever envisaged

They were not sure whether they should feel relieved that he finally treated them as human by responding to them or to be angry that he talked back at them.

Prince Sebastian stopped laughing and continued walking away. His brothers stood fixed for a moment,

"What happened to him?" prince Craig whispered. Julia shuddered his shoulder and refused to say anything.

"Why are you so quiet? Wait you were the one that went after his wife?" Elliott asked noticing his brother' acted differently.

"What are you saying?" Julia snapped trying to hide his guilt. He knew his brothers could use this information against him. "I am suspecting you did this and you are trying to blame me," Julia said looking at Elliott.

The two stared at each other before going in their different direction.