Today was the day he would bring justice to his wife.
The royal court was abuzz with whispers of the imminent arrest of Princess Jollene and Princess Christina.
Such a scandal involving royal blood was unheard of, and curiosity burned brightly among the nobles.
Alaric had already attempted to initiate the arrests the previous day, but Commander Walls had delayed him with urgent matters regarding the kingdom's defenses.
Now, there would be no more waiting.
Accompanied by palace guards, Alaric entered the private wing where the princesses resided.
Their laughter and idle chatter came to an abrupt halt as the guards marched in, the sound of boots echoing ominously against the marble floors.
Princess Jollene was the first to speak, her voice a mixture of confusion and outrage. "What is the meaning of this, Alaric?" she demanded, standing from her seat with a haughty glare.
"How could you just storm into our chambers unannounced?!" Princess Christina added, her tone sharper, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Alaric's gaze was cold and unyielding. "Princess Jollene. Princess Christina. By royal decree, you are both under arrest for attempted regicide."
Their faces paled. "Regicide?!" Jollene shrieked, her voice breaking. "You cannot accuse us of such a thing!"
"This is outrageous!" Christina cried, backing away as two guards stepped forward. "You have no proof!"
Alaric's voice was steady, his words cutting through their protests. "The maid who delivered the poisoned drink confessed to taking orders directly from you. A foolish attempt to cover your hatred for my wife and your ambitions for power."
"Hatred? Ambition? How dare you!" Jollene spat, her indignation quickly giving way to desperation. "I am your cousin! Your family!"
"And I would give my life for family," Alaric said, his tone laced with a cold finality. "But my duty is to protect the innocent, especially my wife, the princess. You crossed a line, and now you must face the consequences."
Christina began to weep, her voice trembling. "You can't do this, Alaric! We are of royal blood! Do you think the king will allow this mockery of justice?"
"The king is already aware," Alaric replied sharply. "A court meeting has been requested, and you will answer for your actions before the entire royal council."
The guards stepped in, their hands firm but respectful as they restrained the princesses. Their wailing cries filled the corridor, drawing the attention of curious onlookers.
"This is a mistake!" Jollene shouted as she was led away. "You'll regret this, Alaric!"
Christina, her tears streaming down her face, whimpered, "Please, cousin, have mercy!"
"Mercy?" Alaric stopped and turned to face her, his dark eyes piercing. "You showed none when you tried to take Salviana's life. Your pleas fall on deaf ears."
As they made their way toward the court, Salviana arrived, her presence commanding despite her petite frame.
Dressed in a flowing gown of pale blue, she looked every bit the princess she was—graceful, strong, and unyielding.
She joined Alaric at his side, her golden eyes flicking to the disgraced princesses. "Is this justice, husband?" she asked quietly, her voice calm but filled with resolve.
Alaric nodded. "It is the beginning of justice, my love."
Together, they walked into the courtroom, the royal council awaiting, the air thick with anticipation for what was to come.
The grand court of Wyfkeep castle was an imposing sight that morning. The circular chamber, built of polished granite and marble, echoed with murmurs of anticipation as the royal family, court officials, and guards filled the hall.
A heavy chandelier hung above, casting a golden glow that did little to warm the tense atmosphere.
The accused, Princess Jollene and Princess Christina, stood at the center of the room, their faces pale but defiant.
Around them, the other royals took their seats.
Princess Genevieve sat glaring
Agatha, first kings concubine, her sharp eyes always watching, whispered to her sister Florence, "Can you believe this? Poisoning Salviana? Of all the nerve. Hasn't she seen how evil Alaric is?"
Princess Jenifer, fanning herself lightly, whispered back, "They're fools. This will not end well for them."
Abigail and Lilian, seated beside them, remained silent, their gazes darting nervously between the accused and the other royals.
The princes—Jargon, Benjamin, Jacob, and Spencer—sat across the room.
Prince Benjamin leaned back casually, whispering to Jaron, "This is all so dramatic. Alaric is just making a spectacle of himself." but second prince Spencer doesn't agree with this statement.
Their aunt, Lady Diana, resplendent in a dark green gown, observed the scene with a neutral expression, though her fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of her chair.
The room quieted as the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hall. The doors opened, and King Gideon entered, his regal presence commanding immediate silence.
His gold-embroidered robes flowed behind him as he made his way to the raised dais at the front of the chamber.
The queen followed closely, her face composed but her eyes betraying concern.
"All rise for His Majesty, King Gideon Velthorne!" the herald announced.
Everyone stood, bowing their heads as the king took his seat on the throne, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. "Let the proceedings begin," he said, his voice steady but sharp.
Alaric stepped forward, his imposing figure drawing attention.
He looked every bit the fearsome warrior—tall, broad-shouldered, with a dark expression that promised no mercy.
Salviana sat quietly to the side, her hands folded in her lap, her golden eyes fixed on the accused.
The first testimony came from the maid who had delivered the poisoned drink.
The room was deathly silent as she stepped forward, trembling under the weight of the gazes upon her.
"Speak," King Gideon commanded.
The maid curtsied deeply. "Your Majesty, I am the one who delivered the drink to Princess Salviana. I was told by Princess Jollene and Princess Christina to take it to her."
Jollene's face twisted in anger. "Lies! This is slander!" she cried.
Christina nodded furiously. "We never told you to do any such thing!"
"Silence," the king said sharply, his voice cutting through their protests like a blade. "You will speak when called upon."