(Nicholas)
Two days later I sat in the royal court, thinking about my actions. Today was the day of my hearing, the day I had to face the consequences for everything I had done.
My parents sat beside me, their expressions tight with discomfort, and across from me stood Lord Ashford.
His usual proud demeanor was gone, replaced by a bitter look that I couldn't blame him for. He'd once been a trusted member of the court, but now, like me, he was cast aside. Banished, his position stripped from him for trying to defend me. A heavy silence hung in the air as the judge prepared to start.
I tried to focus, but my eyes kept drifting over to Isabella. She stood beside Kieran, holding his hand. The two of them weren't afraid to show their affection, their connection so public, so genuine.
