Snippet #2580217

The guard jumped and shook his head, mumbling apologies and leaving as quickly as he could. The sound of whispers could be heard throughout the court as the attendants immediately voiced their shock, awe, and even fear. The judge looked at the prisoner with wide eyes. Then the shock became pity, and he said softly, "it's out of my hands now son."

The doors to the judgment hall opened, and as quickly as the whispers had come, they were soon replaced with silence. Two guards entered the room and stood at attention on either side of the doors. Then Akari entered, followed of course, by the ever-present Genji, and two more guards. Her cloak billowed out behind her as she walked, her hood covering all but a slight grin on her face. She found it amusing that a room full of people could sound so empty, no doubt following talk of her arrival.

The judge stood to move, bowing his head, but Akari lifted a hand. "Is this the prisoner known as Na'ari Azura?" she asked the judge, gesturing to the man chained to the floor.

"Y-Yes Princess Akari," the judge stammered, freezing in place, "that is him."

Akari observed the man, circling around him. She stopped near his left shoulder and looked back at the judge. "What is it you have charged him with?"

"A-Attempted espionage, my lady," he said, as if he was afraid to make her angry.

Akari chuckled softly. This judge was pathetic. A coward. She would have to see to him later, but for now... Akari walked around to face the prisoner, lowering her hood to look him in the eyes. Shocked gasps sounded throughout the room, both at her beauty and the rarity of the sight. In the year since Izo's betrayal, she had only lowered her hood a few times publicly. "Release him.." she said suddenly, "and give his weapons to my guard."

The judge looked shocked, but did as he was ordered. "Now that's better isn't it?" she smiled at Na'ari, as a guard released him from his bonds. Before she could say anything else, Genji appeared at her ear and whispered in his rough voice, "princess.. there is no need for this prisoner... let the court decide his fate. You have much more important matters to attend."

Akari glanced at Genji, knowing the man was probably right, but she was intrigued by this prisoner. "He might well prove his use," she whispered back. Genji bowed slightly and backed away, glaring at Na'ari as though he wanted to execute him right there. Turning back to Na'ari she said, "we will continue this chat when we arrive at my castle." Then leaning closer to him she said simply and without emotion, "you will not try to fight. You will not try to run. If you do.. you will die." Then she stood up straight and looked around the room. "The prisoner is now in my charge and will be dealt the punishment I deem fit. Any objections may be taken up with me," she said, her musical voice filling the room. "Though.. I don't think there will be any objections," she added, giving her slight smile. Then, to the surprise of everyone and the anger of Genji, she extended a hand to the prisoner. "We will go now," she said, looking expectantly at Na'ari.