Chapter 8 – The King’s Fury

  Kael had just returned to the academy courtyard, the Ironclaw Bear’s body trailing behind him and Ash padding silently at his side. The golden coins were secured in his bag, a small but satisfying reward for completing their mission.

  He hadn’t even begun to relax when a sharp voice cut across the academy grounds.

  “Kael! What do you think you’re doing?!”

  The words were familiar, and they carried the weight of authority, anger, and pure fury. Kael’s silver eyes narrowed as the crowd parted to reveal the King storming toward him. His robe flowed behind him like a stormcloud, and his eyes blazed with barely contained rage.

  Kael stepped forward calmly. Ash’s ears twitched, sensing the tension in the air.

  “You beat the sons of nobles?” the King roared, his voice echoing across the courtyard. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?!”

  Kael’s hand tightened on the bag strap, but his voice remained steady.

  “They attacked me first. I defended myself,” he said simply.

  The King’s face turned a darker shade of red. “Defended yourself? Do you think being a prince gives you the right to strike our nobles? Do you understand how disgraceful this is?”

  Students around them exchanged nervous glances. Some whispered, some gasped audibly. The sons of nobles who Kael had fought glared daggers at him, their pride stung more than any wound.

  Kael didn’t flinch. His silver eyes met the King’s burning gaze evenly, unshaken.

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  “I did not disgrace anyone. I defended myself according to the rules of combat,” Kael said.

  The King slammed his hand onto a marble pedestal near them, making several students jump back. “Rules of combat? You are the prince! You will obey the law of this kingdom and respect its nobles! You have humiliated them in front of everyone! Do you even understand what this means?”

  Kael’s jaw tightened. Anger simmered beneath the surface, but he kept his voice calm.

  “Yes. I understand,” he said evenly. “They attacked me first. The evidence will show it.”

  The King sneered. “Evidence? You dare challenge my judgment?!”

  Kael’s gaze shifted to the magic stone, its crystal surface glowing faintly. Many students had forgotten it, or ignored it, but Kael had remembered its function.

  One of the senior students stepped forward, holding his head high despite the intimidating presence of the King.

  “Your Majesty,” the student said, voice steady. “The magic stone recorded the fight. It will show everything exactly as it happened.”

  A soft glow pulsed from the stone. The crowd fell silent, everyone craning to see the replay.

  The fight played out in clear detail. The noble boys lunged at Kael, fists raised and shouts echoing. Ash darted forward, illusions protecting Kael and responding strategically. Kael moved with precision, avoiding strikes and countering when necessary, never throwing a single blow without provocation.

  The courtyard erupted in murmurs. Some students gasped. Others whispered to their friends. Even the nobles themselves began to shift uncomfortably, their expressions faltering as the truth became undeniable.

  Kael’s lips curved into a faint smirk.

  The King’s face twisted in fury. He slammed a hand onto the magic stone. “I don’t care what that… crystal shows! You have embarrassed the sons of nobles in front of everyone. You think a fox and a few tricks of magic let you act however you please?”

  Kael’s fists clenched at his sides, his teeth gritting. His calm tone never wavered.

  “The stone shows the truth. I followed the rules. I did not start the fight,” he said evenly.

  The King’s face flushed further. “Truth? Ha! You dare lecture me on truth? You are my son, Kael, and yet you have no respect, no decorum. You will remember your place!”

  Several nobles murmured agreement, though their eyes flicked uneasily toward the stone. Even the crowd of students was whispering among themselves, many clearly siding with Kael now that the evidence was visible.

  Kael’s silver eyes narrowed, anger coiling in his chest. “I will remember my place, Father,” he said quietly, though his voice was sharp enough for those nearby to hear. “But it will not be as a pawn who allows injustice to rule.”

  The King waved his hand impatiently. “Enough! Leave, both of you. I will deal with you later, Kael!”

  Kael turned without another word. Ash jumped lightly onto his shoulder, tail flicking with a mix of annoyance and amusement.

  Outside the hall, students whispered, some in awe, some in fear. Kael ignored them all. He didn’t need their approval. The truth had been shown, and no amount of shouting or insults from the King could change it.

  Ash tilted his head, voice low and teasing. “Not exactly a warm welcome.”

  Kael exhaled slowly, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Fun? Being yelled at by my father is hardly fun. But at least the truth is out.”

  Ash’s ears twitched. “Yeah… and you didn’t back down.”

  Kael’s silver eyes glinted. “I never do. Not from him. Not from anyone.”

  The courtyard was buzzing with whispers, but Kael didn’t care. His focus was on the future. On his growth, his power, and the challenges that lay ahead.

  The first real clash with the King was over—but Kael knew it wouldn’t be the last. And this time, he would be ready.