Chapter 294: The Trial (5)
Everything happened all at once in a blur and simultaneously in slow motion. Everyone knew who the King’s right-hand man was, and all eyes turned to the knight, who remained impassive even now. Evanna’s heart thumped wildly in her chest. She could hear herself breathing as her head pulsed and betrayal speared her heart.
The place was in an uproar. The Queen started to snicker until she felt Loraven’s glare and was smacked in the face, essentially knocking her out. Evanna’s mind worked enough to stop her mother from doing anything worse to Eleanor. The nobles continued to talk louder, each trying to get the King to listen or anyone to listen to them speak. At the same time, Osian ordered the guards to take Sir Hugh in.
This was a matter they would resolve another day. It was clear that the Queen would be punished, and Sir Hugh was to be tried separately for the assassination of King Selvin. Evanna kept her gaze on Loraven, who stared at Sir Hugh with ashen features. Evanna’s gaze moved to him and looked away, then returned to look at him. She’d grown up with this man. The man, who was stern with her, scolded her and sometimes snuck her some sweets when her parents weren’t looking.
Evanna couldn’t look at him, yet she couldn’t stand not to look at him.
In a rush, the guards surrounded Sir Hugh, who removed his weapons and placed them on the ground. Evanna watched as the older man who had served the King and quite possibly her birth father before that strode through the doors. There was no air of arrogance like the Queen before. There was nothing.
Sir Hugh remained quiet the entire time, accepting the nobles’ insults. After that, the court couldn’t be settled, and Loraven and the King were both upset by the events. The King called for a break, leaving the nobles in the Great Hall to argue amongst themselves.
A great deal had been shared with those in the trial today, though Evanna could not understand how they could continue to spurt nonsense to one another. It was all part of the political game. Evanna left with her father and Loraven, taking time to spend outside in the fresh air. Arawn fell into step beside Evanna as they passed an open corridor before the private gardens of the King. It was as though he’d appeared out of nowhere or had been waiting all along to see Evanna.
Osian was in a daze as his mind ran through the events of the day Selvin died. Sir Hugh had been there. He’d been sad. Osian was sure he could not fake such emotions. The man was a statue most of the time. Was it guilt? Regret?
Eleanor had always been power-hungry. It was in her noble blood. The house of Roth had grown its power over the years, becoming one of the strongest out of all the noble houses. Osian never expected all of this, though. Once Eleanor got her position as Queen, he believed that would satisfy her. He also didn’t realise she was aware of who Loraven was and that she held such hatred for the elves.
The way Eleanor spoke sounded more like her father’s twisted words. Eleanor had always looked for his praise and would do anything for him. The Duke was trying to sink his claws into his grandchildren as well. Osian only allowed a small amount of time for him to visit Isabel, William and George. He didn’t want them to be influenced by such a man.
".. and I will be glad when she is gone."
Osian turned his head to the side after Loraven spoke. Her hand was clasped on his arm as they strolled through the gardens. The same hand that almost killed his wife in a heartbeat.