Chapter 9 - Judgment of the Frost
Three days later, the Great Hall of Sunspire Citadel was prepared not for a coronation of deceit, but for a trial of truth.
The high magistrates and regional lords sat in judgment along the raised tiers of the courtroom. In the center stood Vespera, stripped of her emerald cloak and crown, wearing simple woolen garments. Her face was pale, hollowed out by days of sleepless paranoia and the cold realization that her ambitions had completely disintegrated.
When Seraphine entered the hall, she did not wear the aggressive, blazing armor of a warrior, nor the heavy, intimidating frost of the abyss. She wore a stunning gown of midnight blue and silver, her crystal tiara resting gracefully upon her silver-blonde hair, shining with a warm, gentle light.
“Vespera of the House of Aldren,” Seraphine spoke, her tone devoid of malice, carrying only the weight of absolute justice. “You are charged with high treason, the usurpation of the royal crown, the conspiracy against the late King Aldren, and the attempted murder of the crown princess.”
Vespera clenched her fists, staring at the stone floor. “I did what any ambitious ruler would do. The crown belongs to the strongest.”
“The crown belongs to those who serve,” Seraphine corrected softly. “Power without duty is tyranny. And tyranny has no place in Aethelgard.”
The chief magistrate stood, reading from the ancient scrolls of the realm. “By unanimous vote of the high court and the blessing of the mountain covenant, Vespera is sentenced to exile in the southern lowlands, where the warmth of the sun may teach her humility. Her titles are stripped, and her estate is returned to the crown.”
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Vespera flinched, opening her mouth to protest, but the guards gently placed their hands on her shoulders and led her away toward the southern gates. There would be no execution, no blood spilled on the marble floors. Seraphine’s mercy proved far more devastating to Vespera’s pride than any blade could ever be.
As the heavy oak doors closed behind the exiled cousin, a profound sigh of relief swept through the entire assembly. The shadow that had hung over the kingdom for months finally dissipated completely.
