The great hall buzzed with murmurs as the members of the Privy Council gathered for the emergency meeting Levi had called. The room was heavy with anticipation, the air tense as Levi entered with a commanding presence. At his side was his most trusted advisor, while Paris sat at the far end of the room, her face pale but defiant. She clutched her bejeweled gown, a thin veil of composure masking her crumbling facade.
Levi began without ceremony. "Members of the council, I have gathered you here today to discuss a matter that directly impacts the integrity of the crown and this palace."
Paris straightened in her chair, her eyes darting nervously around the room. She forced a small smile, trying to appear unbothered, but her hands trembled in her lap.
Levi turned to one of his guards, who stepped forward and placed a stack of photographs and documents on the table. "These," Levi said, his voice cold, "are proof of the Duchess Paris's betrayal. For months, she has carried on an affair with Mateo, a servant of this palace."
A collective gasp echoed through the hall. Paris's cheeks burned with humiliation as the council members leaned forward to inspect the damning evidence. The photos, grainy but unmistakable, showed her and the servant in intimate embraces, sneaking into private chambers, and meeting in hidden corners of the palace grounds.
"This is absurd!" Paris exclaimed, rising from her chair. "These could have been fabricated! You cannot trust every shadow that a camera captures!"
Levi's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Fabricated? The palace security cameras don't lie, Paris. Neither do the eyewitness accounts from the staff who have seen you sneaking around."
The room erupted in whispers, and Paris's mask of composure cracked. She turned to the council, her voice desperate. "Please, don't believe this. I have been nothing but a loyal queen..."
"Loyal?" Levi cut her off sharply. "You were loyal to your desires, Paris, not to me or this kingdom. You've not only disgraced yourself but also put the reputation of this monarchy in jeopardy."
One of the senior council members, a man with a silver beard and piercing eyes, cleared his throat. "Your Majesty," he addressed Levi, "this evidence is undeniable. The queen has violated the sanctity of her position. She can no longer remain in the palace."
Paris's knees buckled, and she sank back into her chair. Her voice cracked as she pleaded, "You can't do this to me. I am the Duchess. I've sacrificed so much for this kingdom, for you, Levi!"
Levi's voice was devoid of emotion as he replied, "Your sacrifices, Paris, were nothing compared to the damage you've caused. This is not about me or even you, it's about the dignity of the crown."
"Lies Levi! This is about the maid," she addresses the council, "your Duke here is in love with a servant, he even has her in his chambers right now. He has been sleeping with her, so why am I any different?"
"Your claims would have been valid if you were Royalty in this Kingdom, not by marriage. You are a woman Paris, you cheated on your husband, the king. And I lost interest in anything concerning you. It's legitimate!"
"You never slept with me Levi!" She turns to address the Council again, "He never for once for the past 10 years lay his hands on me. He never fulfilled his duty as a husband"
"I was told you were a Virgin, Paris. I was saving you till the time was right. Unfortunately, you weren't paitent enough. Now enough of this back and forth deliberations." Levi turns to the council, "please, do your job" he says as he adjusts his coat.
The council member stood. "By unanimous decision, Queen Paris is hereby stripped of her title and ordered to leave the palace immediately. Her family will be notified, and arrangements will be made for her departure."
Paris's face crumbled, her tears falling freely now. "Please," she sobbed, turning to Levi. "I can change. I'll do anything. Don't throw me away like this."
Levi didn't so much as blink. "You threw yourself away the moment you betrayed me, Paris. This is your consequence."
***
Hours later, the once-proud queen stood in the palace courtyard, surrounded by servants hastily packing her belongings into a modest carriage. Gone were the lavish jewels, the flowing gowns, the entourage of attendants. Paris now wore a simple dress, her hair unkempt, her eyes red and swollen from crying.
The palace staff watched from the shadows, whispering among themselves. The sight of Paris reduced to such a pitiable state was a shocking contrast to the haughty queen they had once known.
She clutched a single suitcase, her fingers trembling. "This isn't over," she muttered to herself, her voice thick with bitterness. "I'll find a way to make them pay for this humiliation."
As she climbed into the carriage, Levi appeared at the top of the palace steps, flanked by guards. His expression was unreadable, his gaze cold as steel.
"Goodbye, Paris," he said, his voice carrying over the courtyard. "Do not return. Your chapter here is closed."
Paris glared at him through her tears, her pride shredded. But there was no fight left in her. As the carriage doors closed, she was escorted out of the palace grounds, leaving behind the life she had destroyed with her own hands.