Waging Wars: A Klaroline Fanfiction

12.

Citizens of the court flooded the throne room after they'd heard of the queen's imminent sentencing. Most didn't know what the queen had done, just heard rumors of her deceit and debauchery. Some citizens prayed the king would show kindness towards the queen while others knew of Hayley's false display of innocence and had already condemned her.

Klaus sat on his large golden ornate throne surrounded by his siblings, a stern frown gracing his face as he stared straight ahead, contemplating the possible repercussions of his actions. He knew this day would either solidify the loyalty of his people or the masses would arise and revolt. However, either way the kingdom would know no one was safe from punishment.

He paid no mind to his siblings that stood with him. Rebekah held back tears, occasionally sniffling next to him as Kol stood stone faced and Finn stood behind them, uninterested in the proceedings. A part of Klaus was glad his mother had died some years before. If the sickness hadn't caused her organs to fail then what was about to happen certainly would have broken her heart. He glanced at Rebekah's red eyes and knew he would have to some way make amends with his siblings, but that could wait. He had to get rid of a threat first.

A hush fell over the crowd as two guards came forward, a disheveled Hayley walking stoically between them still exuding the air of royalty. Klaus glared at her as she made her way forward and stopped in front of him. He took in her greasy hair that hung in knots and the dirt that clung to the bottom of the royal violet dress she had once worn proudly. She had always been vain when it came to her outward appearance and the way she looked standing in front of him would have a lesser man feeling pity.

"Bow before your king," Kol demanded in a deep voice, producing a glare from Hayley as she reluctantly bowed.

"Do you know your crimes?" Klaus asked her, wanting to hear her admit to her treason one and for all.

"Don't do this, Klaus," she whispered, keeping her brown eyes glued to his detached face, searching for a hint of the mercy he had never shown anyone else.

"It's your Majesty," he corrected and asked again, "Do you know your crimes?" When she stood silent he continued, "You're being charged with treason, conspiring against the crown, and adultery. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

She took a deep breath and spoke loudly for everyone in the room to hear. "You are my king. I would never commit the crimes you have charged me. I ask that you spare me for the sake of our children." She briefly searched the crowd for the four girls, but didn't find them.

"Am I to believe that the children are mine? I don't see a resemblance in most of them. Perhaps they resemble more of your lover?"

Her eyes widened and that told Klaus everything he needed to know. More than likely some of his children weren't biologically his. "I beg you," she said frantically, finally realizing the severity of her situation.

He ignored her plea. "You've conspired against me, threatened to have me killed, and have violated a sacred vow that you pledged to me fifteen years ago. Why would I spare you?"

"Think of your family!"

He smiled snidely. "I'm thinking of my family and my kingdom." He looked to the crowd. "I hereby denounce Hayley Mikelson as queen. She has been convicted of the crimes I have spoken before you and I sentence her to death."

"No!" Hayley yelled and tried to run to the throne, but was held back by the guard at her side. "Please! I beg you to spare me! Lock me away for eternity, anything! Please, I didn't mean it!"

The tears that fell down her flushed cheeks didn't for a second have Klaus wavering in his decision. She was a traitor. He glanced to Caroline who stood in the front row, an expression he couldn't determine marring her beautiful features. He didn't think she was neither disappointed in him nor happy with the proceedings. Her compassion usually shined through, but he didn't think she had much sympathy for the former queen.