First Day of the Trial 2

The judge walked in, files in hand, as everyone except the royal family stood to welcome him. With a gesture, he indicated for them to sit, and they complied. He opened a file, addressing the case at hand. Vincent was then brought in, handcuffed and flanked by policemen, and led to his place beside his lawyer. A bandage covered the spot where his ear had been severed, and he sighed heavily as whispers and murmurs spread through the crowd. The prosecutor entered, accompanied by more policemen, causing further stir.

Vincent's wife sat among the spectators, her eyes brimming with silent tears as she watched her husband's condition. One hand rested protectively over her swollen belly. She wore a black scarf and a simple black dress, her face a mask of grief. Hearing the cruel gossip about her husband, she clenched her fists, consumed by regret and sorrow.

Khardis turned his gaze toward Vincent, his eyes lingering on the bandage that wrapped around Vincent's head, covering the severed ear.

"Sein is truly a cruel man, to have done this... That spoiled brat went too far," Khardis thought, crossing his legs and interlacing his fingers. He sighed, his expression grim. "This trial won't last three days. Edward and Sein have made sure it will be over quickly." His gaze shifted toward the row where the Bruswards were seated.

Vincent slowly lifted his head, locking eyes with Edward, who responded with a sinister smile and a slight scoff.

Evangeline watched Vincent as well, her attention drawn to the bloodstained bandage. "He must have endured terrible suffering in prison... How cruel. But today, justice will be served. So, his name is Vincent," she mused, letting out a soft sigh.

Noticing her gaze, Vincent turned his face away, unwilling to meet her eyes.

As the murmurs in the courtroom grew louder, the judge took his gavel and struck it firmly, ordering silence. He turned his gaze to Vincent and opened the file before him.

"Mr. Vincent," the judge began, his voice stern and steady, "let's address the incident from last week. There is substantial evidence against you, including multiple witness testimonies. I will ask again—how do you plead? I encourage you to consider the evidence carefully before answering. You have also claimed that the Bruswards and Khardes families were involved in harming Lady Evangeline." His words sparked more murmurs from the crowd.

Prince George, sitting with the royal family, clenched his fists and gritted his teeth as his piercing glare focused on Vincent. Suddenly, an unknown man entered the courtroom with an envelope in hand. He walked straight to Charles, who quickly delivered the envelope to the judge. The judge opened it, his expression unreadable as he glanced at the contents.

Vincent, remembering the threat Sein had made to him in prison the night before, clenched his fists, his head bowing under the weight of it all. His attorney, sitting beside him, felt the pressure of the mounting evidence and clenched his fists in frustration. Defeated, he faced the judge.

"Your Honour," he said, his voice tight with anxiety, "I believe my client is not guilty of these accusations." He swallowed nervously, knowing the gravity of the situation. "You can ask Lady Evangeline to confirm that. Can we please have Lady Evangeline and Mr. Richard step forward?"

With a small nod, the judge gestured for Evangeline to approach. She stood from her seat and walked down to the front, her hand visibly bandaged. Her face was calm, but the pain was evident in her eyes.

"It was Vincent," she said clearly, her voice unwavering despite the weight of her words. "He slashed my arm with a knife, Your Honour. Richard saved me from him and from Bethany." As she spoke, Richard stepped forward, standing beside her and nodding his head solemnly in confirmation.

An outcry rippled through the crowd. "He laid hands on the Viceroy's wife! The audacity!" an old woman shouted, pointing at Vincent with a trembling hand. "And he blames the Khardes and Bruswards families? This man deserves to be hanged!"

Another woman added, her voice filled with outrage, "King Claude won't let him off easily. Touching his niece is like walking on hot coals barefoot!" She covered her mouth with a fan, shaking her head in disbelief.

Vincent's wife, sitting quietly among the crowd, couldn't bear to hear what her husband had done. Each word cut into her deeper than the last. She hid her tears, her hand trembling as she sniffed, trying to hold back the sobs threatening to escape. The black scarf over her head couldn't shield her from the shame, nor could it protect her from the weight of Vincent's actions. She knew what he had done, but facing it publicly, hearing how he had harmed another woman—how he had harmed Evangeline—was almost unbearable.

Edward, watching from his seat, smiled in smug satisfaction. He bowed his head and chuckled under his breath, his mind reveling in the spectacle. Beside him, Sein scoffed, a sinister smile creeping onto his face as he rested his chin in his hand. Their plan was unfolding perfectly.

Charles stood with his hands clasped in front of him, his knuckles whitening as he clenched his fists. His gaze remained fixed on Evangeline's bandaged arm, a look of profound disappointment washing over his face. He shook his head slightly, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "I wish Dominic was here," he thought, his eyes flicking toward the door as if hoping his presence might change things.

Vincent, seated beside his attorney, noticed the defeated slump in his lawyer's shoulders. He gave the man a soft pat on the back with his handcuffed hand, though the gesture did little to relieve the tension in the air. Vincent turned his gaze to Evangeline and Richard, standing at the front, then back to the judge. His voice was low, yet steady.

"Guilty… Your Honour," he declared.

The entire courtroom erupted in gasps, shocked by his confession. He clenched his fists tighter as murmurs of disbelief echoed throughout the room.

"I knew it..." someone muttered from the crowd, his voice dripping with vindication.

The prosecutor stepped forward, his eyes sharp as he fixed Vincent in his sights. He was methodical, calm, but with an edge to his tone. "Can you confirm that on the 10th of Natalis, 1811, you deliberately harmed the victim?"

Vincent's jaw tensed as he nodded. "Yes, I did," he admitted, his voice breaking slightly. The words hit the room like a punch, but none felt it harder than his wife. Sitting quietly, she couldn't hold back the tears any longer, her heart shattering as the truth weighed down on her. She gripped her belly, the life within her feeling heavier than ever.

The prosecutor pressed on. "Was it premeditated, or did you act in the heat of the moment?"

Vincent's attorney remained silent, staring down at the floor, unable to mount a defense. Vincent took a deep breath, biting his lip, then spoke. "It wasn't planned," he said, his voice shaking slightly. "I… I did it for revenge. I despised the Sarogaths family."

The courtroom stirred at his confession, whispers rippling through the spectators. The prosecutor's brow furrowed as he raised the envelope in his hand. "Is this your handwriting?" he asked, waving it in front of Vincent.

"Yes," Vincent answered, his voice quieter now. The prosecutor unfolded the letter and began reading its contents aloud, each word laced with Vincent's bitter resentment, confirming the premeditation.

Evangeline, standing across the room, covered her mouth in shock. Her mind raced back to a moment from years ago, a ballet competition, and the suicide of a girl she barely knew. "I didn't know… I didn't know he would hold a grudge for that," she thought, her eyes wide. It was over a ballet competition? Her heart sank as she recalled the whispers at school. A particular girl had been bullied by classmates who idolized Evangeline, though Evangeline herself had been unaware. That girl had been Vincent's sister.

The prosecutor's voice broke through her thoughts. "And what about the attempt to harm Lady Evangeline with peach-flavored tea? Your deceased accomplice, Bethany, was found with several bags of this tea. Did you plan that as well?"

Vincent shifted uncomfortably but answered, "Bethany was my accomplice. I asked her to purchase the tea to poison Evangeline."

"And where did you acquire this tea from?" the prosecutor asked, his voice cold and direct.

"Edward Bruswards and Khardis Khardes," Vincent replied, his tone flat.

His statement caused a ripple of fury from Sein, who sat a few rows back, his face darkening with rage. He gritted his teeth, his hands clutching the arms of his chair. "This bastard talks too much," he thought, his glare piercing through Vincent like a dagger.

The judge raised a hand, silencing the rising tension in the room. "According to the evidence," he began, glancing at the files before him, "it appears that the Bruswards and Khardes families were indeed involved in shipping illegal goods, including the peach-flavored tea. It's unfortunate that Bethany is no longer alive to provide further details." He paused, picking up his gavel. "Therefore, I find the Bruswards and Khardes families liable for the illegal import of banned substances. They will each be fined 10 million Yewen and an additional 600,000 shelkh."

With a sharp crack, he brought the gavel down, his decision final.

The room held its breath. Edward, Sein, and Khardis sat in stony silence, their faces twisted with barely concealed fury. Edward's fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain still, though the fire in his eyes betrayed his rage. Beside him, Sein was seething, barely able to contain the violent thoughts swirling in his mind. Khardis, too, sat rigid, his expression one of cold fury.

Prince George, however, allowed a small smile to creep across his lips, clearly enjoying the discomfort of his adversaries. He leaned back in his chair, satisfied with the punishment handed down to the Bruswards and Khardes families.

Meanwhile, Vincent's wife buried her face in her hands, her silent sobs shaking her shoulders. The shame and sorrow overwhelmed her as she struggled to come to terms with the truth of her husband's crimes.

Evangeline clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white as the weight of Vincent's confession settled over the courtroom. "The Bruswards are truly despicable!" she thought bitterly. "I hope Grandmother hears this—she needs to see the truth of what Dominic and his family have done. How long will she remain blind to their crimes?" Biting her lip in anger, she struggled to suppress the emotions rising within her.

Richard, standing nearby, studied the scene with narrowed eyes. He glanced over at Khardis and Edward, whose smug expressions barely concealed their satisfaction. "They pushed Vincent into this," Richard thought, his lips curling in distaste. "All to save their own skins. But no matter how much they try to twist the narrative, the damage is done—it can't be undone." He shook his head in dismay, his frustration palpable.

Vincent's attorney, who had been silent for much of the trial, finally stepped forward. His shoulders sagged under the weight of the case. "Your Honour," he began, his voice heavy, "my client has accepted full accountability for his actions. In light of his cooperation and willingness to admit his guilt, we ask for leniency in sentencing."

The judge, his expression grim and unyielding, turned his steely gaze on Vincent. "Mr. Vincent," he said, his voice echoing through the courtroom, "while your willingness to admit guilt is noted, it does not erase the severity of your actions. You attempted to kill, and you harmed a relative of the Royal Family—an unforgivable crime in this court." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. "You are hereby sentenced to execution. Furthermore, anyone related to you will face imprisonment and be required to pay fines as compensation for their involvement."

With a sharp crack, the judge brought down his gavel, sealing Vincent's fate. The sound reverberated through the room, and Vincent's wife collapsed into sobs, burying her face in her hands. She clenched her fists, her tears falling silently as the crushing reality of her husband's death sentence took hold.

King Claude, seated in the front row, nodded in agreement with the verdict. He turned to his grandson, George, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "George, when Dominic returns, tell him I demand an immediate meeting. There is something urgent I need to discuss with him."

George, though shaken by the events of the trial, nodded obediently. "Yes, Grandfather… I'll tell him right away."

As Vincent was led away in chains, his expression hardened into one of resigned acceptance. He knew his end was near, and there was no escaping it. The police escorted him through the aisles as people began standing up to leave, murmuring amongst themselves.

Magdalene, who had been silently observing the trial from the back of the room, glanced at Edward, her gaze lingering on him as he slipped out, a faint smirk on his face. "The trial was supposed to last three days," she thought, "but Edward, that snake, managed to twist everything in his favor. He always does." She clenched her jaw and hurried to catch up with Evangeline.

"My lady," Magdalene said quietly, falling into step beside her. "Do you think Vincent was the only one involved in trying to get rid of you? It feels like something more sinister was at play."

Evangeline sighed, her eyes filled with sadness and disbelief. She shook her head slowly. "I've known all along that something wasn't right. They mutilated Vincent, cut off his ear, to force his submission. And my grandmother…" She scoffed, her voice bitter. "I can't believe she would turn a blind eye to the fact that her own granddaughter was nearly killed. It's as if I mean nothing to her anymore marrying me to a Brusward"

Magdalene's expression darkened as she exchanged a glance with Evangeline. "Your grandmother's loyalties may not lie where you think they do, doesn't mean she's involved in this crime" she said carefully, her tone grave. "There's more going on behind the scenes, I'm sure of it. And Edward… he's not finished yet."

Evangeline nodded, her mind racing. "I won't let this end here," she murmured. "There's more to uncover, and Dominic… he needs to know what's truly happening before it's too late."

After the trial ended, Evangeline found herself swarmed by guests who had attended, their whispers and gossiping voices filling the air as they quickly spread rumors about what had just transpired. She offered them polite nods as they walked away, but her mind was elsewhere. George waved at her from a distance, and she returned the gesture weakly before watching him follow after his grandfather and the queen. With a heavy sigh, she turned to Richard, her thoughts swirling from everything she had just heard in court. Nearby, Magdalene stood silently, her fists clenched and her expression tense, clearly lost in her own thoughts.

Richard, ever observant, noticed Evangeline's troubled demeanor and spoke softly, "Evangeline, is something wrong?" His voice carried genuine concern as he studied her face.

"I'm fine... no worries," she replied, folding her arms across her chest defensively.

Richard tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Let me guess, it's about Vincent's confession..." he said, and Evangeline's eyes widened in shock. His words hit too close to home, almost as if he had read her mind. Not wanting to give away her true feelings, she shook her head, feigning indifference.

"Richard, I'm tired. Let's just go home," she said abruptly, turning on her heel. Without another word, she began walking away, her guards following close behind. Richard and Magdalene exchanged a brief glance before trailing after her.

Khardis, who had been standing at a distance, saw Evangeline leaving the building. He was talking with his sister, Khadriane, when his attention shifted. "Excuse me," he said to her with a small bow. She waved her hand dismissively, allowing him to leave. His eyes locked onto Evangeline, and he made his way toward her.

As Khardis approached, Evangeline turned to face him, her expression unreadable. "Mr. Khardis... do you need something? I believe you should be focusing on how you'll pay your fines," she said coldly, folding her arms as her guards immediately stepped forward, forming a protective barrier between them.

Khardis simply chuckled, unfazed by her hostility. "My family is well aware of the crime we've committed, and we are making arrangements to pay the fines. But that's not why I'm here." He glanced at the guards before continuing, his voice lowering slightly. "I just want a word with you, My Lady... alone."

He extended his hand toward her, but Evangeline remained still, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Richard, standing nearby, tensed immediately, his gaze locked on Khardis, who met his glare with a slight, almost taunting smile.

Evangeline, still wary, raised a hand to her guards, signaling them to step aside. "Fine. Let's hear what you have to say," she said, her voice measured. She deliberately ignored Khardis's outstretched hand, walking past him without a second glance. Khardis followed her silently as they moved to a more secluded area to speak.

Richard stood rooted in place, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His eyes burned with suspicion as he watched the two disappear down the hall. There was something about Khardis that set his nerves on edge, and he couldn't shake the feeling that danger was lurking just beneath the surface.

Magdalene, noticing Richard's darkening mood, let out a soft sigh. "Where are you going?" she asked, already sensing his next move.

"I don't trust that guy," Richard growled, his voice low and cold, laced with unmistakable killing intent. Without waiting for her response, he started after Evangeline and Khardis, his mind racing with thoughts of what Khardis might be planning.

Magdalene watched him go, her own mind spinning with unease. She had seen the way Khardis operated, and it never ended well for those who trusted him. As Richard disappeared around the corner, she couldn't help but wonder if this meeting would uncover more than Evangeline expected—or plunge them deeper into the dangerous game Khardis and his family were playing.

Evangeline stood with Khardis, determined to hear his reason for calling her out alone. She kept her distance, her mind racing with caution. Khardis cleared his throat and began, "My Lady, I admire your artistic skills. Your grace... I've heard it's the best in the world."

"Is this really what he wanted to talk about? Or is there something more to this?" Evangeline thought as she raised a hand to her chin, scrutinizing his intentions. She replied politely, "I see you admire my artwork. Thank you. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"

Khardis leaned in closer, a glint of something unsettling in his eyes. Evangeline instinctively stepped back, her back meeting the cold surface of the wall. He placed one hand against it, blocking her path, while his other hand remained casually in his pocket. Evangeline's breathing quickened as unease crept up her spine.

"I like you, Lady Evangeline. Perhaps we could discuss this further over tea," he said smoothly, his voice low and dangerous as he reached up to caress her cheek and hold her chin. Evangeline's eyes flashed with anger as she swiftly yanked his hand away and pushed him back.

"I decline your offer," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. But Khardis wasn't done. His hand shot out, grabbing her arm and pulling her close to him, his grip tightening as his eyes darkened.

"You know, Evangeline, I've wanted you all along, but Dominic got in the way—he took you from me," Khardis said, his gaze locked onto hers, filled with frustration and desire.

"What do you mean?" Evangeline asked, blinking, a mixture of confusion and dread settling in her chest.

"Do you remember the day you won gold at the ballerina competition? You rejected me then, in front of everyone. Someone had to come to your defense after I poured my heart out," Khardis continued, his voice dripping with bitterness.

Evangeline's mind raced as she recalled that day, a boy approaching her after her victory. "It was you?" she whispered, the memory now clear.

Khardis chuckled darkly. "Yes, my Lady. It was me. And it's not too late for us, is it?" His tone shifted, becoming more sinister. "I've heard about your... affair with Richard. It seems Dominic isn't fulfilling his duties as your husband."

Evangeline's heart pounded in her chest as she tried to process his words, but before she could react, Khardis leaned in even closer, his breath hot against her ear. "Maybe I should help with that—grooming you in my chambers every night. If Richard can have you, why shouldn't I? I'm not an exception," he whispered, his lips grazing her ear before trailing down her neck as he grabbed her waist. Evangeline gasped in shock and slapped him hard, her hand trembling as she brought it to her neck, panting.

"You're insane!" she snarled. "Dominic is a Brusward, and you conspired against me with him—and now you're talking about having me in your bed?"

Khardis merely smiled, rubbing his cheek where she'd slapped him, a twisted glint in his eyes. "She's feisty... I like that," he thought.

"Dominic no longer does business with us, you should know that " Khardis said, his tone becoming more casual, as if he hadn't just crossed every line. "He hasn't protected you the way he should. Let me help him with that. And as for Richard... he's just a lackey. He doesn't deserve you."

Khardis reached out to touch her hair, but before his hand could make contact, a firm grip stopped him, and in the blink of an eye, a fist connected with his jaw. Khardis groaned in pain as he stumbled back, clutching his face. It was Richard, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Richard!" Evangeline gasped, rushing toward him. Relief washed over her as he gently touched her cheek, his thumb grazing her skin with care.

"Are you alright?" Richard asked softly, his voice filled with concern. Evangeline's cheeks flushed red, and she nodded, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events.

Without hesitation, Richard pulled her close, pressing a protective kiss to her forehead. "I won't let anyone hurt you," he whispered, his arms wrapping securely around her as Khardis glared at them, nursing his bruised face, knowing full well that this wasn't over.

Khardis chuckled, a malicious grin spreading across his face. "Ah, there he is... Evangeline's little boy toy," he sneered, wiping the blood from his mouth. "She's quite loyal to you, isn't she? Not to her husband though—what a shame. You're such a homewrecker, Richard. I wonder how it felt when you made love to her on her wedding night... instead of Dominic being the one to take her innocence as a married couple should" His words were sharp and dripping with venom, meant to provoke.

Richard's grip around Evangeline tightened, his jaw clenched as he fought to maintain control. The mention of her wedding night, the twisted insinuation that he had stolen something precious, sent a surge of fury through him. His teeth ground together, but he held his tongue, knowing Khardis was trying to push him over the edge.

Khardis smiled wider, satisfied at seeing Richard's restraint crack, relishing the tension in the air as he cleaned the blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Tsk," Richard finally responded, his voice cold and cutting. "You can say the same for yourself—Brusward's loyal dog. A puppet with no direction, just following the commands of men that treat you like an animal stationed for labour" He smirked, his hand gently stroking Evangeline's hair, trying to calm her trembling form in his arms.

Evangeline's heart raced in Richard's embrace, her body pressed against his chest as she felt the heat of his anger beneath his calm facade. She kept her face close to his shoulder, her fingers clutching the fabric of his coat as she took in his scent, feeling a mix of safety and tension. She could feel her pulse pounding as Richard's arm rested protectively around her waist.

"You!" Khardis spat, his composure unraveling as his face contorted with rage. His hand shot up, pointing accusingly at Richard, but the words caught in his throat, unable to retaliate further.

Richard's eyes locked onto Khardis with a cold intensity, daring him to step closer. The tension crackled between them, but Richard kept his arm securely around Evangeline as he began to walk her away, his grip firm but gentle. "You're not worth it," Richard muttered under his breath as they passed by Khardis.

The sound of Khardis' fist slamming into a nearby statue echoed behind them, a frustrated grunt escaping his lips as his hand throbbed from the impact. His rage boiled over, but there was nothing more he could do—he had been bested, for now.

As they walked away, Evangeline lifted her gaze to Richard, her eyes wide with a mixture of gratitude and lingering fear. He glanced down at her, his expression softening as he caressed her cheek with his free hand.

"Are you alright?" Richard whispered, his voice filled with concern.

Evangeline nodded, her fingers loosening their grip on his coat but still holding on. "Thank you..." she breathed, leaning into his touch as they moved further away from Khardis, the tension gradually melting with each step.