[center][b]The Golden Citadel, Ulzschath, Hanartha[/b][/center]

The throne room of the Golden Citadel was a grand and spacious room, a long hall of polished marble leading towards the throne of Hanartha. The throne itself was gigantic, a massive golden chair so high that the front of it had short flight of stairs. And on top of that, it was located atop a round dais. It is said that when a ruler is seated on his throne even giants should look up to him, and it was obvious that those who had built the throne took that to heart. Napizzi wasn't too fond of it, since it was a pain to climb up onto and he always worried about falling. Not only would it be an embarrassment, but he didn't want to break his neck; that would be a rather ignoble end to his life and his reign. 

But Napizzi put those thoughts from his mind, gazing out over the throne room from the regal perch. Currently it was occupied by a fairly sizable crowd, and he could name every one of those assembled. They were, after all, family. He could see his mother and sisters and their children, aunts and uncles, and all manner of relatives. He even spied the short and wrinkled form of his great great uncle, who was pushing 2 centuries. And there, off to the sides and practically hidden in the shadows, was his son Suthra.

It had been several days since their talk, and news had spread of Xisuki's invitation. It was, after all, nearly impossible to stop gossip and rumour. But that wasn't the only news buzzing around the Citadel; an invitation had arrived from the Estron kingdom of Manram to a festival celebrating their ruler's birthday. The Citadel was abuzz with news of the two festivals, and which one the Grand Prince would be attending. And today was the day that Napizzi would officially announce his decision, though he'd known which he'd been attending from the very beginning.

"Attention!" he shouted from atop his throne, getting the attention of all those assembled. A moment before they had all been chatting and talking amongst themselves, with the exception of Suthra, but now all were silent before the Grand Prince.

"As I am sure you are all aware, the Governor Xisuki of the Bhanil Coast has invited me a festival celebrating the birth of his first nieces. Truly a momentous occasion for an esteemed individual such as himself," Napizzi called out, "But, as I am sure you are all equally aware, I have received an invitation from the Estron Mundir Kazidu, King of Manram, inviting me to a festival celebrating the anniversary of his birth."

Napizzi paused for a moment, though it was unnecessary as everyone there, bar some of the more elderly family members whose minds were what they used to be, already knew of the information. "I have decided, that as Grand Prince of Hanartha to attend Xisuki's celebration," he announced, and then waited for their reactions.

The crowd waited for a long moment, making sure that the Grand Prince was not going to speak again, before all began shouting their opinions at Napizzi, doing their best to be heard. First were those who disagreed with his decision, but those who agreed quickly raised their voices in defense of Napizzi's decision. From where he was sitting, Napizzi could see them all though he wasn't sure whether most agreed with his decision or not. Not that it mattered of course, he was Grand Prince and would do as he willed.

"Do you not think Manram's King will not take this as an insult?" someone yelled, though Napizzi could not tell who, "One cannot just ignore another ruler!"

"Silence!" Napizzi yelled, and the effect was almost immediate. The throng of family members stopped their arguments and looked back to the Grand Prince.

"I did not say that I plan on ignoring Manram's King, but I will not be making a personal appearance," Napizzi said, "Instead, I will send others in my place. Others whom I trust will adequately represent Hanartha in the court of this Estron King."

Then Napizzi looked to where his son was sitting, still away from the rest of his family, "Suthra, step forward."

Suthra went pale at his father's words; they hadn't talked about this, they hadn't discussed this. This was not good at all, and Suthra could already see family members giving him dirty looks, but he did as his father asked and strode forward until he was standing in front of the dais holding his father's throne.

"Yes, fa-" Suthra began, before his words were broken by a short fit of coughing, "Yes, father?"

"Among the Estrons, sons and daughters are viewed more highly than nieces or nephews," Napizzi said, "And so, I task you with representing me at this festival. Do you accept?"

Suthra wanted to say no, he didn't want this responsibility thrust upon him, but he didn't feel like he had much of a choice. Not here in public, where it could be viewed as an insult, even by the people who didn't want him to take on the responsibility; he thought it rather hypocritical in truth. "Yes, father," he said, "I will do my best to bring honour to Hanartha in the court of this King."

"Good, now Alurar and Asurar, you come forward too," Napizzi said, and a pair of Hanarth made their way to where Suthra was standing. The two were identical twins, and were actually Napizzi's nephews, though unlike most Hanarth they had bright red hair and dark blue eyes, "I wish for you two to travel with Suthra, and act as Hanartha's representatives all well."

"Of course, Uncle," the twins said in unison, before grinning at Suthra. And it wasn't a malicious grin, these two were one of the few who didn't have any qualms about Suthra's presence. Most others either viewed it as a break with a tradition or saw Suthra as a possible threat to their political power. The twins didn't care about that particular tradition, and they made it no secret that they didn't desire the throne. 
 
Then Napizzi waved the trio away with his hand, Suthra returning to his place away from the other family members though this time both Alurar and Asurar followed him. "Now, the Golden Citadel and Ulzschath require someone to rule them in my stead whilst I am away," Napizzi said, "As the capital and seat of my power, this is a tremendous honour and responsibility. Uthros, step forward."

From the group of people strode a young Hanarth, his hair cut short and a cocky grin on his face, "Uncle?"

"I would bestow this honour upon you in my absence," Napizzi said, "Do you accept this honour? And the responsibilities it entails?"

"Of course Uncle," Uthros said, the grin never once leaving his face.

Napizzi nodded, "Good, we shall have the official ceremony tomorrow before I leave." Then he gestured for Uthros to return to his place, before continuing, "That is all the important business for now. You are all dismissed."

Napizzi sat patiently while his family members made their way to one of the many doors along the side of the throne room. Everything had gone well, aside from the dirty looks Suthra was still receiving. Then he heard Uthros's voice, above the chatter of the rest.

"Better luck next time whoreson," he said, "I guess being Uncle's son doesn't get you everything."

Napizzi narrowed his eyes at Uthros, who he could see taunting his son. His son didn't reply, but Alurar and Asurar did. Presumably to defend Suthra; Napizzi had always liked those two boys. Uthros was a completely different story. The young man still had the same smug grin on his face, but then he saw people staring behind him. And his grin fell from his face as he saw Napizzi approaching, anger burning in his eyes.

"What did you call my son?" Napizzi demanded.

"What? I didn't-" Uthros began, but was cut off as Napizzi's hand slapped the boy so suddenly and so hard that he stumbled backwards. 

"I heard you," Napizzi growled, "Now what did you call my son?"

"A, a whoreson," Uthros said, his cocky demeanour completely gone as a bright red hand print began to appear on the side of his face.

"Are you saying I am a whore, boy?"

"Wh-what? No, of course not," Uthros stammered.

"Then you are calling Suthra's mother a whore."

"B-but, she was."

This time Uthros fell to the ground as Napizzi punched him right in his face. He laid on the ground, sputtering as blood began to trickle from his nose and lip when Napizzi laid a foot on his nephew's chest. "Learn when to hold your tongue," Napizzi snarled, pushing his foot down harder onto his chest, "Do you understand me?"

"Y-yes," Uthros managed to sputter.

Napizzi didn't say a word as he lifted his foot off Uthros. Then he looked around at the people assembled, searching for someone. "Elotian, come here," he said, and another of the hanarth came forward, this one with long brown hair and a short beard to match. Though not as tall as his Uncle, he had his large build.

"Yes, Grand Prince?" he asked, ignoring his cousin on the ground.

"I have changed my mind, I want you to take care of the Citadel and city while I am gone," Napizzi said, "So prepare for the official ceremony tomorrow."

"Of course," Elotian replied.

"You can't do that!" Uthros yelled desperately as he managed to stand up, "I am your heir! The responsibility is mine!"

Napizzi took a step towards Uthros, which made the boy flinch backwards, though he made no move to hit him again. "Your mother may be my eldest sister, but Elotian is my eldest nephew," Napizzi said coldly, "I have yet to choose an heir, so it would be in your best interest not to get a hold of yourself. Understood?"

Uthros mumbled something quietly, to which Napizzi responded by bellowing at him, "Do you understand?"

The Grand Prince's sudden yelling surprised Uthros, and he fell backwards on the ground again before looking up at his Uncle and saying, "Yes."

Napizzi didn't even deem it necessary to respond to that, instead walking over to Suthra and the twins. "Come on then, you three need to prepare, right?" he said, putting an arm around Suthra's shoulder, "You have quite the journey ahead of you." He left Uthros sitting lying on the ground as he left the throne room, and in fact seemed to forget about him completely before he turned and gestured to him, "And somebody find someone to clean that up!"