"Next," Godwin continued, his voice slicing through the tension, "the next charge brought against you is conspiracy against the crown to incite war. There are witnesses who claim the Midnight Purge was orchestrated entirely by you."
Prince faltered. This charge would be nearly impossible to refute. He felt the weight of the accusation pressing down on him. But no matter how difficult it was, there was no way he could plead guilty. There was no need to glance at Duke or Valentine; his answer was obvious.
"How do you plead?" Godwin demanded.
"I plead innocent," Prince declared, his voice steady.
"Innocent?!" Bishop Frank barked, his face twisting with fury. "Of all the insolent lies! I saw you there myself, Machiavelli!"
"Explain yourself," Godwin interjected, his gaze sharp. "Whose side were you on that night? The crown's or the vagabonds'?"