A New Queen - Justice Requires Strong Nerves

The early morning hours dawned and Mortis awoke with determination. He went to the bathroom, where Kathrin and Helga were already waiting to wash him. Although such tasks were usually done by servants, Mortis was not the type who liked to be waited on by others. He was a king who preferred to take care of himself.

After he was thoroughly washed, he was offered the finest clothes that had been provided for the special occasion. But Mortis refused them. Instead, he created his own enchanting attire, a regal robe in his beloved black and silver that emphasized his presence.

Shortly thereafter, Mortis made his way to the entrance of the castle, where Shiva was already waiting. Her shy approach did not go unnoticed, and she pretended to remove an imaginary piece of lint from Mortis' shirt. Mortis, understanding the subtle gesture, smiled gently. He was as enchanted by Shiva as she was by him.

Mortis took advantage of this intimate moment. He took her hand, kissed it tenderly and put a ring on her finger. His words were full of meaning and promise.

"This is proof," he began softly, "that you now belong to me and to your new sisters. Though this may be hasty, we still have plenty of time to get to know each other better, my queen. Let us move forward as a family and overcome these challenges together."

With red cheeks, Shiva looked at the ring Mortis had just slipped on her finger. The symbolic significance of this moment was overwhelming. In a burst of courage, she took a step toward Mortis and kissed him on the mouth, a gesture of affection and gratitude for his protection and love.

But suddenly the entrance to the castle was opened, and the servants entered. The timing could not have been more unfortunate, but it added an unexpected twist to the scene. The citizens standing at the bottom of the stairs watching the action were surprised and touched by the tenderness between their queen and Mortis.

The silence of the crowd was quickly replaced by enthusiastic cheers. The citizens were thrilled by the love and commitment of their queen and hero. When Mortis took Shiva's hand and descended the stairs with her, cheers and applause erupted. The people saw in that moment not only their rulers, but also a couple who had found love in a time of crisis and uncertainty. It was a moving moment of unity between the royal family and their people.

The Colosseum, an impressive structure of architectural splendor and historical significance, served as the perfect venue for the grand trial. Not only the citizens of Rome gathered here, but also people from outside to witness this momentous event. The nobles who were under suspicion or whose relatives were under suspicion were also invited to witness the proceedings first hand. They were to have the opportunity themselves to see the evidence and to judge the guilt or innocence of the accused.

A raised stage in the Coliseum provided the perfect location for the trial. Here, a semi-circle of seats was laid out where the nobles would sit to discuss the condemned. After the discussions, they would cast their votes to determine whether a person was guilty or innocent.

The High Races, who had slowly assimilated into the affairs of the humans, watched the proceedings from their box seats. They watched closely as the humans judged their own kind and tried to maintain law and order in their ranks.

The clanking of chains pierced the air as thousands of soldiers and nobles were led into the Colosseum. In their tattered clothes and with visible signs of abuse, they were barely recognizable as nobles or soldiers. They were roughly lined up, and the lines between ranks and social classes blurred. The former lords and warriors were now equally prisoners.

A deafening clamor broke out in the audience. The crowd had no sympathy for these traitors and outcasts. On the contrary, they shouted, spat and threw everything they had at hand at the prisoners. Fruits, vegetables and even shoes flew down on them. The onlookers found the sight of these traitors deeply despicable and let out their hatred in full fury.

Some women and children, recognizing the relatives among the prisoners, asked Queen Shiva for mercy and grace. But Mortis prevented them from intervening. He knew that these prisoners had to incur the full wrath of the citizens before the true punishment could follow. It was necessary for the crowd to vent their anger before they could calm down.

After a few minutes, things finally quieted down in the Colosseum. The anger of the citizens had been discharged, and they sat down tensely to watch the heads of the traitors roll off their shoulders.

Queen Shiva rose majestically and stood before the assembled people in the Colosseum. The crowd had grown silent, and tense anticipation was in the air. Shiva spoke in a clear, melodic voice that reached everyone in the Coliseum, filling each word with meaning.

"I stand before you today, my beloved citizens of Bayaroma," she began, "to show you my determination to lead and protect this kingdom. Your trust in me honors me deeply, and I will do my best to fulfill your hopes and expectations. Bayaroma will flourish in peace and justice, and we will create a glorious future together."

An enthusiastic murmur and applause rose from the crowd. Shiva continued, her voice with a hint of sadness.

"But there are also people who do not appreciate my efforts. Those who judge me and my actions without knowing the whole story. Even among my own servants, there were traitors who opposed me. For many, I was too cold, too unyielding. But now, my dear citizens, they will see what true coldness means."

A serious expression settled on her face, and she turned to the prisoners standing there in their ragged clothes, despised and condemned by the crowd. Shiva spoke with determination:

"Let us begin today, my beloved subjects. Let us restore justice and expel evil from our midst. These traitors will pay for their deeds, and I will ensure that Bayaroma flourishes in peace and safety."

With these words, the great judgment began, and the future of Bayaroma was in the hands of the queen and her people.