Chapter 49: El Cid, the Death Knight [6] - Trust
Gormez, along with Ordonez and his men, walked in a straight path on the red carpet in the King's court. Horns were blowing from each side as if marking their arrival.
In the court, Ordonez's eyes briefly met Diego's. Ordonez had no compassion for him as he wanted his son dead. With hatred-filled eyes, he walked alongside Gormez, soon all of whom turned to their left and had their seats.
The throne at the moment was empty; however, the seat to the left of the throne, which stood out from the rest, was taken up by the Pope.
As for Rodrigo, he was absent at the moment. Instead of him, his father, Don Diego, and his trusted man, Fanez attended the court. Along with them, stood about four more soldiers, bearing the flag of the kingdom.
They too walked the same path shortly, right after which, they took the place on their right, the throne's left, close to where the pope was.
Don Diego momentarily paused, staring at Ordonez, who had brought this upon his son, Rodrigo. In his mind, he had already given a thousand curses for this. His eyes then met Gormez, who averted his gaze instantly, as if having nothing to do with him.
Resuming his walk, Don Diego joined the rest and stood close to the Pope.
Moments later, the man holding the flag and standing close to the throne, raised his voice, announcing the arrival of the king.
"His Majesty, Don Ferdinand... the King, our Lord!"
"King of Castile, Leon and Asturias, has arrived."
As he said that, a figure made his way towards the throne from the sides. He wore red royal clothing with a crown that sat atop his head. A white beard with a similar white mustache adorned the wise king's face. Taking a few steps, he went to the throne and sat down comfortably, looking left and right and making sure everyone was paying respect to him, even the Pope who had to get up from his seat.
Following him, the announcer continued, "And the Infantes, Prince Sancho..."
As he said that, the first prince appeared, wearing black robes and long black clothes, adorned with a crown on his head that bore black hair. He took a few steps and sat at a throne-like huge chair that was placed in front and left of the king.
"Prince Alfonso..."
This time, the second prince, a bit younger one, appeared with a red royal garment, similar to that of the king, wearing the same crown as that of the first prince, appeared and sat at the chair placed in front and to the left of the king, beside the first prince.
"And the Princess Dona Urraca."
Finally, the princess whom we had seen previously, chatting with Chimene, appeared with the same garments that she wore previously. She sat at the seat that was to the right and in front of the king.
A general accompanied and stood next to the king, who began speaking in the court.
"You have been gathered here, at this court, to give your solemn advice on a matter of great importance to the Crown."
"Sir Garcia Ordonez has charged Rodrigo of Vivar with treason."
The moment he said that, the entire crowd in the King's court started speaking and murmuring to each other regarding the matter. Some were in disbelief while many others questioned the authenticity of the suspicion.
There was no one in the entire Kingdom who didn't know about the rivalry between Ordonez and Rodrigo. Not just in the love contest to get Chimene, one of the most beautiful women, but also in terms of knowledge, skills, wisdom, and strategy - in both cases, they were almost equally matched, having similar achievements!
Taking any one side would be tough.
Rodrigo was present behind the courtroom, the staircase that led to Chimene's room. He could hear all the noise and discussion that was taking place by the group gathered in the court.
He just kept walking in circles, questioning himself if he should enter Chimene's room or not!
'Sigh, leaving the court and coming here… just how madly is he in love?', Allen questioned as he now popped the can and started drinking juice.
About a second later, Chimene opened the door on her own accord, spotting Rodrigo who stood not too far. The window that was opened and the chandeliers at the top gave brilliant light, making the mood.
Rodrigo's face lit up the moment he saw Chimene. The same was true for Chimene, who now had a bright smile, like that of the moon on her face.
Without wasting any time, Chimene walked forward in haste, extending both her arms and offering them to Rodrigo on her will, unlike Ordonez who had snatched the hand and kissed earlier.
Rodrigo also took a few steps and approached her. He grabbed her hand and raised them. He then used the soft hands to rub against his face, feeling the soft and fluffiness.
Finally, he moved his face forward and rubbed against that of Chimene's, who did the same - their smiles only growing wider and their eyes now completely filled with love.
Allen, who was enjoying the show so far, almost had a heart attack!
'No wait… did the genre somehow change into romance!? What the heck?'
Rodrigo then sarcastically said, "You shouldn't have come out."
"Then I'll go," Chimene replied, her words also being sarcastic.
"No. Just another moment."
"Oh, forever."
Both of them kissed each other gently on the lips for a second or two right after which Chimene said, "Besides, there is no danger. So we can be together forever."
Surprised by what she said, Rodrigo asked, "No danger?"
And just then, the discussion heated, and the voices grew louder.
"Listen to them," Rodrigo sighed inwardly as he pointed out to the trial.
"It doesn't matter. Because I know you're not guilty."
Hearing that, Rodrigo stopped smiling and added, "You don't even know what I've done."
"I might not, but I know it was not treason."