I'm Tired

Chapter 17: Jennette's Trial

Jennette was forced into a chair in a room with a lawyer.

"How do you feel about the princess?"

"I hate her." Wow, that's not gonna help your case. At least act like you don't want to die.

"Did you hire assassins?"

"Yeah, I did. I used the alias, Emerald." She decided to be honest. You're making it really hard to save you now. All the money he paid will go down the drain.

"Why did you threaten the princess?"

"I was angry because no matter how hard I try to kill her she never dies." I give up. I can't save her.

The lawyer that was interrogating Jennette gave up. He had finally finished and got his information for court.

There they were, in the courtroom. It was eerily quiet. They all faced each other. In the public gallery there were all the nobles. The witnesses were Lily, Lucas and basically everyone at the party.. The defendants are Roger and Ijekiel Alpheus, the latter looked uncomfortable. As if he didn't want to be there. The victim was obviously Athanasia, who recently awoke from a coma.

Everything goes through Claude.

"Order in court."

"Why are you here, dad?"

"To kill someone, that's why." Nothing new...

"I will sentence her to death." Claude declares.

"Noo!!" Athanasia screams, all fatigue gone. They all turn to the princess hearing her scream.

"Why are you saying no?" Lucas asks out of curiosity.

"She's entertaining."

"But she tried to kill you."

"I am aware she tried to kill me but she's really amusing. I was aware of her plotting, she's really bad at it by the way."

"HEYY! I did my best, how dare you. " Jennette protests.

"That was your best, how pathetic."

Are you defending her, or attacking her?

"You can put her in the dungeons." The princess declares.

"That's not any better." Jennette muttered. She can feel the tears ready to come out.

Where's my happily ever after?

The judge cleared his throat, coughing to gain everyone's attention.

The judge inhaled, "Although you are the princess of this empire, remember your standing in this courtroom."

Claude glared at him.

The judge continued, "Right now you are a victim, not the princess. I have the decision on what happens to this criminal."

Athanasia widened her eyes at his rude remark. "How dare you! If I'm a victim I should be able to choose what happens to her.You know I passed out and almost died. I saw mom too, it was pretty cool. There was a lot of black....I hate black."

"Hey!"

"Sorry Lucas, but it's true!"

"..Diana..?"

Everyone turned their attention back to the emperor. His expression was blank, entirely shut off from reality.

"Yeah, I saw mom.." Athanasia tilted her head. "What about it?"

"If you saw a ghost, that means you almost died, you idiot!" Claude stood up angrily. Turning to Jennette, Claude stared her down. Jennette shivered, feeling like a frightened puppy next to a dragon. "You."

"The victim's evidence and near death experience is enough to put the offender into prison. If it were only that, you would be sentenced to prison for life. However it is shown that you have a record after doing a little bit of digging." The judge held a stony expression. Turning towards a shadow, he gestured for someone to come forth. "Felix?"

The red-haired knight appeared before the courtroom. Kneeling down, Felix gave his regards. "Blessings and glory to the Obelian Empire."

"Tell me, Felix." The emperor addressed the knight, never taking his gaze off of Jennette. "What have you discovered?"

"Well.." Pulling a scroll, Felix opened and began to read. "During the birthday party, Jennette Margarita was revealed to be the fearsome Emerald, a new employer that's name has been thrown around the black market like some ball."

"Jennette planted infertility pills in the princesses tea.."

No.

"She planted multiple spies and assassins to stalk the princess and learn her routine.."

NO.

"She murdered someone she hired personally after a small failure, and charged the princess.."

NO. NO. NO.

"Jennette..."

"Enough, Felix. I think I have heard all I need to hear." Claude's eyes pierced through Jennette's soul, examining her. Evaluating her worth. And currently, she was worth nothing to him.

Am I the villain of this story?

"If I wasn't sure before, I am now. Jennette Margarita, I sentence you to death."

Dread loomed over her. She didn't want to die. Glancing around, Jennette locked eyes with Athanasia. I hate her, but..

Athanasia's eyes widened. The judge continued to speak before Athanasia stood up. "Wait!"

Jennette's breath hitched. She hated Athanasia. Absolutely hated her guts. And Athanasia was well aware of this.

So why is she saving me?

"Yes?" If the judge was annoyed, he didn't show it.

"I feel that is too light of a punishment." Turning to Jennette, Athanasia subtly winked. "Isn't death too quick of a punishment?"

Claude raised an eyebrow. "What are you on about?"

"What if instead of killing her, we exile her?"

Jennette waited with bated breath. Exile. It's not the best, but it will certainly keep me alive a bit longer.

"Hm.. fine." Turning back to the girl, Claude glared down at Jennette. "As of today, Jennette Margarita is exiled from the kingdom of Obelia. She will be provided with the basic necessities and a certain amount of money, but that's it. She will be stripped of her title and any land she may own."

Jennette nodded. "I understand your grace. I thank you for granting me your mercy."

The judge slammed down his hammer. "You are all dismissed."

"W-Wait!" Sir Rogers stood to speak. "Neither me nor my son were given a chance to speak.."

Claude glared down at the man. "Are you doubting my word?"

"N-No-"

"Then, like the Judge said, this case is dismissed."

Jennette sighed, a squadron of guards escorting her out. She could think about her actions later. But for now?

She was alive.

____

A/N: Sorry for the wait, I was busy learning to re-socialize.

 Hopefully you enjoyed...my inspiration is dying.

Word Count: 945