No one would blame the man for not smiling in that moment, Arthur was nervous now- feeling the tension in the room and oozing off Aster and especially Louis. It was weird to feel all these emotions and it wasn’t because he was anything special- any person with a sense would feel it. His eyes met with Chi’s and he smiled as well at the youngest.
Chi sat down after returning the smile to his brother and then the little peace they had together- in the small moments of recognition and small acts of adoration -was over. The trial had begun and things would now just happen.
This was, perhaps, the first time that Louis’ parents were held accountable and the first would be their last right away. Though their souls would not know rest either- but that was something for later.
Huimang hated seeing Deimos go- walking away to the podium and he looked at Aster for some kind of guidance as he moved to sit next to the oldest and held his hand, linking their fingers together as he watched their Louis. Vulnerable but strong.
Mujin was so incredibly in love with Louis, it was ridiculous. Looking at his lover on the stage his eyes were soft and pained because he knew how much the other must feel in this moment. How much it must hurt and how scary it must be. Though the wrath of the prince won over the dread and the pain because he was angry. He shared that with his Deimos- in sync as usual. They were twin-souls like that and while Arthur could read his mind. Mujin could feel like Louis- or he thought he could.
Maybe that was just what loving your soulmate was.
The room fell eerily quiet as Louis’ voice echoed through the room. Arthur’s hair became black as he heard what had been done to child Louis and he held onto Aster’s hand tightly. Anger rising in him as he kept his eyes on Louis- as if his gaze alone was support to the other.
While Arthur’s usual emotionless mask had failed as the rage was visible on his face as well, Mujin was a blank slate- his eyes had hardened as he listened and with every detail that followed the stars dimmed more and more in his eyes. He felt his mother’s hand on his elbow- hidden from view -touching him soothing as the abuse of Louis’ mother was spoken about.
Chiwoo was crying softly, he was not the only one as some of the people in the room had wet cheeks as they listened. Some looked away, in shame or because they couldn’t handle the things being said. Chi was a mess by now and no one would ask him to stand where Louis was standing- maybe it was enough for people to see how much he cried. A statement on its own.
Quickly Arthur made space between them and helped Louis sit down. The imaginary was livid but he did not speak as he moved and just linked his hand with Louis’ under the table. Focusing on the other’s heartbeat as he looked at his parents and suddenly not having parents did not seem so bad anymore.
There was a silence and then the lead announced that the sentencing would be done by the prince. A wave of whispers went through the room and Arthur finally looked up and there was confusion on his face as he looked at Cicero- then at Aster and Deimos. “The King should be giving the sentencing, not the prince.” he whispered and then he looked back at the prince. Their prince as Mujin got up and walked over to the podium- changed his mind and walked over to the cages, being eye to eye.
“For the attacks against me and the palace majors, you two will be put to death. Both of you will be stabbed hundred and one times, once for every year a major serves it’s Kingdom.” a small pause- while the manner of death was one not seen in a long time in the kingdom it was not entirely unheard of. Though the prince was not done yet.
“Ma’am,” he looked at Louis’ mother “You will have to go to our Gods and look them in the eyes and confess your sins in the eyes of those who know all. The fate of your soul is in Their hands. As for you-” he looked at Louis’ father “I have requested to open the hall of chained souls for you. For the unspeakable horrors you have put a child through and everyone that was hurt by your words and your hands, your soul will never meet the Gods. Instead you will remain here, in purgatory, to never rest again. To never reincarnate again. You will never have a life again.”
Another wave of whispers- the prince had given a sentencing that had not been giving in hundreds of years and what was seen by many as unusually cruel. Though no one seemed to oppose the sentencing, well except the ones in the cages perhaps.
The prince turned away and walked briskly out of the room- the lead announced the ending of the sentencing.
Arthur let out a deep sigh and then looked at Aster and Deimos, a little confused and pale in the face. “We should, eh, go.” he muttered and looked at Chiwoo who was still crying a little and sighed as he nudged Aster.
Deimos’ parents were still in the cages, to be left in the courtroom alone and last. To think of their fates in the room where they heard it.
