Chapter 44: Back from the dead-2
The massive courtroom, adjacent to the royal palace, looms with an imposing grandeur. Its design, reminiscent of a coliseum, features a series of circular, tiered seats that encircle the arena below, which is covered in coarse gravel. The seats are filling rapidly with nobles, their attire reflecting the opulence of their station. Elegant gowns in rich velvets and silks sway as the ladies make their way to their places, while the men don tailored suits and ornate cloaks, their sashes and insignias denoting their rank and wealth.
At the very top, a group of noble ladies, adorned in delicate pastel hues and sparkling jewelry, laugh and whisper amongst themselves, their excitement palpable. Their conversations flutter between the latest court gossip and speculations about the day’s events, punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter. The air is tinged with a sense of anticipation, yet there’s an almost casual indifference to the gravity of the proceedings.
As more nobles take their seats, they exchange murmured remarks about the criminal in question, their voices hushed but full of intrigue. Some speculate on the nature of the crime, while others discuss the potential political ramifications. The room buzzes with a mix of curiosity and detached fascination.
Suddenly, a hush falls over the crowd as the Crown Prince of the Kingdom makes his entrance. His presence commands attention; his blonde hair gleams under the chandeliers, and his golden eyes survey the room with an air of regal authority. He waves to the gathered ladies, who respond with delighted squeals and enthusiastic waves. His cloak, a rich dark blue lined with gold, sways as he walks, and he takes his seat with an air of casual elegance.
Down below, the door used exclusively by criminals remains closed, its grim purpose a stark contrast to the vibrant scene above. The solemnity of the proceedings is juxtaposed sharply against the festive demeanor of the high society, creating a striking atmosphere of dissonance in the grand courtroom.
Three reporters, stationed near the edge of the courtroom, huddle together, their whispers barely audible over the hum of excited chatter. Each one is dressed in dark, practical attire, their notebooks and pens at the ready.
"Why do you think we’ve been summoned here today?" one of them, a young woman with sharp features and an inquisitive gaze, asks. Her tone is laced with curiosity and unease.
"It’s odd," replies a middle-aged man with a grizzled beard, adjusting his spectacles. "The court rarely calls us for these kinds of executions. Usually, they’re just routine affairs—no press allowed."
The third reporter, a lean man with a penchant for getting to the bottom of things, leans in closer. "I overheard a few nobles saying something about a particularly important case. They were whispering about a high-profile prisoner, someone who’s made a lot of enemies."
The young woman’s eyes widen. "A high-profile prisoner? You don’t think it’s related to the recent upheavals in the kingdom, do you?"
The middle-aged man nods thoughtfully. "Possibly. And there’s something else. There have been rumors about unrest in the city. Maybe this is more than just an ordinary execution. They might be trying to send a message."
The lean man frowns, scribbling notes furiously. "And the Crown Prince’s presence today is curious too. He doesn’t usually attend these things. What’s his role in all of this?"