Chapter 177: The trial of the century.
The grand hall of the royal castle was transformed into a courtroom quickly and those that had permission to witness the trial in person flocked the castle and found seats around. These seats filled up quickly as the trial of the century unfolded amidst thick air. The accused: the noble house of Ye, a once wealthy and respected family now charge with the unthinkable--poisoning crown princess Sigrid, attempted murder by throwing her out of a window to what could have been her death and murdering the royal heir in her womb.
The courtroom was a spectacle. The king whose face was red with grief and fury was gripping the arms of the throne. Beside him was the queen to his right and princess Elarin to his left. The queen looked cold, the same as ever while Elarin’s face was pale and her eyes red from so much crying.
The crown prince’s face held a similar color to the king’s and every once in a while, he could be seen caressing the tip of the sword in his hands. Beside him was his wife the crown princess, despite her red eyes and slightly pale look she appeared to be stronger than expected.
The people were waiting however, for that moment when she would fall apart. Who in Eldoria did not know of her great love for children? The dozens of pictures of her in newspapers carrying commoners children and kissing them on the cheeks, laughing with them or ruffling their hair proved this fact.
In the courtroom, nobles in their finest and newest silks filled the front rows, their faces a mix of various emotions as they had no idea how the trial would proceed. They peeked at the Thorin’s who were also in the front rows wondering what was going through their minds. No word had been heard from them but they were angry and it showed on their faces.
Behind the nobles were the lucky commoners that had been early enough to secure places in the hall. They craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the crown princess and crown prince who were the most affected by the tragedy. Crystal cameras in the hall broadcasted the trial to every corner of the kingdom. In taverns, marketplaces and homes, citizens gathered around these magical devices, their eyes glued to the drama.
Television had never been more loved in Eldoria than it was right now. The commoners were glad to finally have an opportunity to witness for themselves what went on it the king’s courtroom. It was better than hearing about it from servants of the nobles of the few that got to attend.
At the center of the room sat some of the king’s advisors and the prosecutor, Lord Dresden who stared at the accused family like a predator waiting to devour them and send them to their death.
The accused family stood in line to the side, some were in prison and others being held at their castle. Those that had been involved in the incident were the ones that had been brought to court. Blythe Ye was in tears, Oliver Ye was stoic, his eyes defiant as he glared at Sigrid. Whatever hatred he heard for her, it had been multiplied ten thousand times over now. From the arrest to this point, he maintained his innocence, claiming that he had not pushed her.