"Do you have any evidence to support this claim?" the king demands, his eyes hard. Marianne nods.
Beatrice feels her heart sink, her cheeks burning with shame. She keeps her eyes downcast, unable to look at the king or the nobles and courtiers gathers around her.
"Go ahead." The king says.
Marianne opens her mouth to say some things when Richard speaks up, his voice cracking with emotion.
"Your Majesty, I assure you that I have never met these people before. My father can attest to my innocence."
The Duke looks away, his expression conflicted. He is reluctant to side with anyone until there is concrete evidence.
"You may not believe me, but I have evidence," Marianne says with a smug grin. She reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small piece of paper, unfolding it to reveal a crudely-drawn sketch. She takes it toward the king and bows.
