Demon Prince Lyon's Reflections

Lyon remained seated on his throne after everyone had left, except for his court visor—Jan.

His most trusted advisor stood before him. The lanky, middle-aged, man in a full-length white robe trimmed in blue-silver, was impeccably upright and solemn before the dais.

"What do you make of this unexpected alien visit?" Lyon impassively asked Jan, looking out a high window to gather his thoughts. He eased back to be more upright and crossed one leg over the other.

Jan frowned, noticing the prince's lap was still sparking with magic. As the man wasn't saying anything about it, he decided to carefully observe the damage and only step in to help if it became an actual problem.

Lyon glanced at Jan and saw his fleeting look to the sparks on his lap: dwindling cosmic energy discharge. Jan's propriety was what set him apart from the rest, and what he appreciated.

"Regarding your question, Sire, I think we need to be cautious with our public view of this incident."

Lyon's brows lifted with interest, "And your reasoning?" He was keen to see if his long-time advisor had reached the same concerns and conclusions.

Jan elaborated, reaching a conclusion that the unexpected summons would be considered a bad omen from their god Kretos, and one for their royal court shaman rivals to exploit. Or others would see it as a sign of weakness to Lyon's Palace Insight, despite the otherworlder wizard dropping in via a higher-level cosmic power. If anything, this fact would make public opinion worse.

Lyon nodded. He rose to stand next to Jan with an action plan.

If the alien was viewed as a weakness or a bad omen to his court, then he would debunk some of that convenient propaganda to his advantage.

"The wizard section of the Chronicles of Sol and Chronicles of Wix noted a series of trials, which proved the wizards' worth to the Demon Kings of their time, if I recall." Lyon noted.

Jan bowed and replied it was correct for the Chronicle of Wix, but he apologized for his lack of knowledge regarding Sol. He was confident Lyon's younger brother—Genie, would have the answers.

Lyon momentarily closed his eyes to summon his brother via their shared mind-link, providing relevant knowledge.

Moments later, a man teleported into the room via a magical array.

At first glance he was identical to Lyon, until a closer inspection noted his slightly younger features, leaner frame in a simpler mage attire, and black with green streaks of shoulder-length hair.

"You called for me brother." Genie respectfully bowed before him.

Lyon cordially patted his shoulder. "I have a task for you, one that would be in your interest."

"Oh?" Genie's face didn't hide his keen curiosity.

"The Chronicles of Sol mentioned that a wizard's worth and trust to his demon king of the time was won through trials, am I correct?"

Genie quickly recapped his knowledge and eagerly nodded. "Correct! Are we going to trial the alien?"

Lyon smiled. "I want you and Jan to set it up in the Arena of Trials. Make it public."

Genie frowned. "But what if he fails. Wouldn't that be worse for us?"

"And if he's a powerful threat to us, Sire. Should we be endangering our people?" Jan bravely stated his concerns.

Lyon didn't take offense: the man asked a question he had already answered for himself when the alien was on his lap. His expression became more cunning and reassuring.

"That's why Genie will be his mentor and guide. Enlist who you need to ensure the trials work in our favor regardless of the alien's result." He instructed Genie.

He looked to Jan, "I'll entrust your support to Genie."

Both men bowed to Lyon, confirming their unwavering loyalty to the task before leaving.

Lyon stared at the crown symbol of his throne. "Father, whether you summoned this alien to test me or not, I'll make sure you feel my impact through him."

As he was leaving the throne room, to enter the white stone corridor for his private chambers, he caught a fleeting shadow move across a high window pane. His lips stretched into a guileful smile.