Chapter 4

The day of the trial arrived with a heavy blanket of clouds covering the sky, casting a somber mood over the duchy. Katya and her father made their way to the duchy's courtroom, their hearts heavy with dread. The courtroom was packed with villagers, guards, nobles and the family of the slain guard, their faces etched with grief and anger.

Mikhail sat at the front of the room, shackled and silent, his face a mask of resignation. Katya's heart ached at the sight of her brother, looking defeated and alone. She took a seat beside her father, clutching his hand for support as they awaited the arrival of the Arch Duke.

When the Arch Duke entered, the room fell into a hushed silence. He exuded authority and command, his presence intimidating. He took his seat at the judge's bench, his stern gaze sweeping over the room before settling on Mikhail.

The proceedings began, with the prosecutor presenting the case against Mikhail. The family of the dead guard watched with tear-streaked faces, their pain palpable. Witnesses testified about the fight, painting a grim picture of the events that led to the guard's death. Mikhail sat in silence, his eyes downcast, offering no defense.

Katya's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the trial unfold. She could see the despair in her father's eyes and knew she had to do something. When the prosecutor finished, the room fell silent, and all eyes turned to the Arch Duke.

He rose to his feet, his expression severe. "Mikhail, you have been found guilty of murder. The punishment for such a crime is death by hanging."

Gasps and murmurs filled the courtroom. Katya felt as though the world had stopped. She couldn't let this happen. Summoning all her courage, she stood up, her voice ringing out clear and strong.

"Your Grace, please, I beg you. My brother made a terrible mistake, but he is not a murderer. There must be another way."

The courtroom fell silent again, all eyes now on Katya. The jury and the audience began to murmur, some voices filled with disdain and criticism.

"Who is she to question the Arch Duke?"

"She's just a blacksmith's daughter."

"Her brother is a killer, and she's defending him?"

The Arch Duke raised a hand, silencing the room. His gaze locked onto Katya, his expression unreadable. "Step forward," he commanded.

Trembling, Katya obeyed, standing before the Arch Duke. The weight of his scrutiny was overwhelming, but she held her ground, her heart pounding in her chest.

"You speak passionately for your brother," he said, his voice measured. "But the law is clear. What would you propose as an alternative punishment?"

Katya's mind raced, desperation fueling her thoughts. She hadn't expected to be asked for a solution. "Please, Your Grace, there must be something else. Community service, exile, anything but death."

The Arch Duke considered her words, his gaze never leaving her face. The room was deathly silent, the tension palpable. After a long moment, he spoke again, his voice carrying a note of finality.

"There is one alternative," he said, his eyes piercing into hers. "Your brother's life can be spared if you agree to serve in his place. You will work in the castle, under my supervision, until I deem his debt paid."

Katya froze, her mind struggling to process his words. To save Mikhail, she would have to give up her freedom, her life as she knew it, and serve the Arch Duke. The weight of the choice bore down on her, and she felt the eyes of the entire courtroom on her, waiting for her decision.

Her father's voice broke through the haze. "Katya, no..."

She turned to him, seeing the pain and fear in his eyes. But she also saw the love and the hope. She knew what she had to do. Taking a deep breath, she turned back to the Arch Duke and nodded.

"I accept," she said, her voice steady. "I will serve in his place."

A collective gasp echoed through the courtroom, but the Arch Duke merely nodded, his expression unchanged. "Very well. The sentence is commuted. Mikhail will be spared, and Katya will serve in his stead. The terms of your service will be determined by me."

With that, the trial was over. Katya felt the weight of her decision settle over her, a mix of relief and fear coursing through her veins. She had saved her brother, but at what cost? As she was led away, she felt the Arch Duke's gaze on her, a promise of the challenges to come.