Chapter 22 A VERDICT AND A THREAT

Chapter 22 A VERDICT AND A THREAT
Aria's POV

The Golden haired man commanded a different kind of presence in the room. The presence that someone like Kael commanded was that of a legendary entity. Someone that carries awe and an unbearable weight into whatever room he walks in.

The three teachers who had rough handled us the day before stood up immediately and the man walked in with their heads cocked. He didn't even look at them, their existence was nothing to him. This man gave off the aura of simple royalty. An entity just above everyone else by proxy. I stopped myself from bowing the moment he entered just so I don't look ridiculous. He had a relaxed smile on his face.

His clothes were regal, all in gold and black. He glided through the room as Head teacher Hernabella rose up to welcome him. “Mr Andorin, please feel welcomed.” She said with a smile. 

Nesari shot the man a sharp glare, her eyes narrowing in a way that spoke of old grudges and unfinished business.
“Hey, Nes, is that you?” the man drawled, a cheeky smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You look older than the last time I saw you. Still healing people at the expense of your own essence?”

“I still do,” she said coolly. “And I can see you are still as spoiled as you were back in the day.”

The man’s smile faded, replaced by something colder, more dangerous. “Normally, I would have your head for such a disrespectful statement. But I’ll let it slide for an old friend. Don’t let it happen again.” His voice dropped, low and threatening, carrying a promise rather than a warning.

Nesari didn’t flinch. Instead, she straightened, fire flashing in her eyes. “Oh, I would like to see you try, you cocky, old bastard!” she snapped, venom dripping from every word.

I stared at her in shock. This was not the gentle, warm woman I had come to know. In this moment, she was sharp, fierce — someone shaped by battles and scars I could only begin to imagine.

“Oh, yeah, you are not gonna argue with me about abusing my royal powers. I am too good of a man for that,” the golden haired man chuckled and then walked to the front of the room where he saw Kael sitting in the corner with a metal ball in his hand.

I started to realize with every single passing second that this was not a new fight, or a new issue. This conflict that the four of them had just walked into has been happening for a while now and it seemed most of the participants were here. 

As it would seem, Nesari and Kael were on the same page and they were against Hernabella and this new man called Andorin. 

I frowned as something clicked in my head. It seemed it wasn't only in my head that it clicked, because Ciora and I gave Zephyr a knowing glance at the same time. The boy exhaled and rolled his eyes. “We will talk about.that later!” he whispered.

I realized my guess was correct. Zephyr is related to the man. Zephyr had introduced himself as “Zephyr Andorin.” I sighed, wondering how they were related. The man was old enough to be his father, but then royal families are never really that simple. 

“Well met, Kael Draven, son of the first light, wanderer of the ashen fields. The lightning god himself,” Andorin bowed with a mock smile on his face.

Kael didn't reply, nor did he even acknowledge Andorin’s existence. They didn't need a clairvoyant to make them know that these two hated each other to the bone.

“Why are you here?” Nesari asked.

“Queen Seraphin herself sent me down. You know she is on a little tour, the kingdom's not going to run itself,” Andorin chuckled. 

“And why would she send you down for a simple dispute among teachers?” she demanded. 

“Well, when Kael is involved in anything we both know that thing ceases to become simple. That mad man doesn't do simple things!” He said with a smile. It was obvious he was trying to get a reaction from the lightning god.

“Alright then so now that you are here sir, how do you intend on getting these people off my backs, they seem intent on ruining my reputation, hammering on the moralities of my actions.” Hernabella spoke this time.

“Oh, don't you worry. I have heard everything you said. Her majesty already gave me the verdict. “ he said simply. “I will read it to you and that will be final. Anyone who speaks after that verdict is putting themselves in line for treason!” Andorin  declared.

This was when Kael stood up. “Then let me speak before you say read it,” he simply said. 

“Seraphina might act like she built this school all alone, I don't care. I don't give a crap that she is queen, your laws don't guide me. I have a simple mission from someone higher than her and I will tell you in simple terms. If you… any of you ever come in between that mission again. We will not have nn argument, we will not talk. I will kill you. That's it. Simple.” he said. You can read now.”

Andorin swallowed a bit, a little hint of fear cracking the royal mask the man wore. “Well, the simple verdict is this. The immortal flame is used when there are cases of monsters involved. Since no students are dead, the Head teacher didn't commit any crime, so this case is dismissed. However, appropriate compensations will be made to the students that were in slight danger. Thank you. Her Royal Majesty the Queen!”

Nesari nodded at us and with that we turned around and filed out. When we escaped those long narrow dark halls, I exclaimed. Even though I didn't do much of anything, that was the most intense moment of my life. 

Nesari glanced at Kael. “You seem lonely today, what's the occasion?” The girl teased.

Kael gave her a cold look and then grunted, walking away. The rest of you also dispersed to get ready for school.