Chapter 107: Answers (1)
Nikolai let out a sigh as he gazed blankly at Rosela’s kneeling form right in front of him. He was currently debating what to do with the woman he once considered a friend... Someone that he once considered family... as a sister, even...
By the sidelines, he noticed that Mineah had already taken her spot up to where he would usually sit whenever he presided over a trial. He had heard the guards announce her arrival, but he didn’t want to stray his gaze away from Rosela for even a second. She might still have something up her sleeve despite being shackled down on the ground, and he refused to have someone else die yet again due to her machinations.
Still, that didn’t stop him from stealing glances at his wife every once in a while. Since he was the only one powerful and unbiased enough to compel someone of Rosela’s caliber to tell the truth, he had to be down there in the middle of the courtroom to preside over the trial instead of being in his usual spot beside the chair Mineah was currently seated in. Even his Mother was present, currently sitting near where his wife was located as they visibly began to exchange pleasantries.
[Are you doing well, Mine?] he talked to her through their Bond, to which Mineah quickly perked up as she stared at him.
[I’m doing fine, Lai,] she quickly nodded. [I just want this to be over with so that we can move on with our lives, to be honest.]
Nikolai hummed in agreement. He wanted the exact same thing not only for his own and Mineah’s sake but for his mother’s as well. He knew that the Queen Mother would be most affected by this, and he wanted to get things over with if only so that the healing process for both his family and his kingdom could finally begin.
With a deep breath, he gave the presiding judge, Minister Haman, a knowing nod before he announced the beginning of the main event.
"Today, we shall all witness the trial of Rosela Benett!" Nikolai bellowed out. "She stands accused of murder, treason, and conspiring against the crown!"
The present audience fell silent, and Nikolai could already feel the pressure bearing down on him as Rosela’s family understandably glared at him.