Chapter 290: The Trial (1)
The Great Hall stirred with heads of the noble families speaking among each other, the hall abuzz with hushed discussions about the serious crime committed and one allegedly by Queen Eleanor. None of the royal family members had arrived yet, but their thrones were set out already. Guards surrounded the walls as the nobles sat along two long tables diagonal to the thrones, creating a diamond shape and a space where the defendant could sit on the singular chair, and any evidence provided would be placed in front of the nobles.
The doors opened with a loud rumbling sound, and the herald announced the arrival of King Osian, Princess Evanna, Princess Isabel, and, unfortunately, the young princes, William and George, followed behind. Evanna didn’t want them to bear witness to the fall of their mother, no matter how much she wanted to take her down, but the King and the boys insisted they attend. The princess knew they were too young to understand anything, though, and it would be tough whether they witnessed this trial or not.
The Queen was guilty of multiple assassination attempts against Lady Loraven and poisoned her throughout the years. King Osian never provided Evanna with an answer about the Queen’s punishment, but there were laws in place. Once she was found guilty, the boys wouldn’t see Eleanor again.
The King sat on the middle throne, the largest out of the others, whilst the Princesses sat on either side of him. For once, Isabel remained quiet, her expression neutral. William and George sat beside Isabel just as Lady Loraven entered the Great Hall.
Upon her arrival, the chatter between the nobles began again. Loraven and Evanna were always cause for discussion; this time, the ’King’s mistress’ was a victim. Loraven looked pale, but she managed to walk without difficulty and kept her head held high. She sat beside Evanna, sharing a look with her before the hall went silent at the last person’s arrival. Queen Eleanor walked in, looking regal in her gown and jewels. No chains bound the Queen.
She did not look like she was attending her trial; instead, she was attending a banquet or celebration. At least she did not smile broadly. No, no, that wouldn’t work on the nobles now; she needed their favour. Two guards did escort her, though, a reminder of why she was there. They escorted her to the chair in the middle where all could steady their intimidating gaze.
Eleanor did not sit, causing Evanna to tilt her head to the side, scrutinising her. She didn’t believe she would be there long, so sitting was not necessary. The confidence the Queen oozed momentarily unsettled Evanna. She rid her thoughts of such anxiety, reminding herself of all the evidence against Eleanor, causing her hand to tighten into a fist.
Loraven’s hand was placed over hers, strength guiding her hand to release and calm the rage and anxiousness trying to consume her. Evanna glanced at her mother, who, even though had been poisoned and on this cycle of declining health for years, among assassination attempts and other ordeals, she still looked beautiful, if a little off-colour. Evanna squeezed her mother’s hand back before flicking her gaze back to the nobles ahead.
She sought out Arawn; just one look at him would also ease her mind. However, the prince, although her soon-to-be-husband, was not allowed within the trial. It was to be kept quiet, and only those within the Great Hall were allowed to bear witness to it. The kingdom needed to appear as stable as possible right now, especially with the ongoing fighting to the north, where Hatherland was expanding into an empire.