The Russell couple had been escorted to the adjacent seating area to rest. Douglas, at some point, had opened the black cloth, his slender fingers clutching the worn-out spellbook.
The young ladies of the knighthood watched silently from their seats.
Margaret ran her fingers over the heavy shackles, softly replying, "I do not confess."
"I do not admit to the charge of treason."
"I have not collaborated with Dermat."
"Whatever fantasies you may have, I need to clarify one thing."
She smiled lightly, her tone airy.
"I have no reason to aid Dermat in usurping power; he holds no value to me. Publicly, Ceragon is not my country; privately, I am not lacking in handsome suitors. I believe my former fiancé should be well aware of that."
Perhaps her words were too audacious, for the entire hall fell silent. Their breaths audible.
