Everthone Waters

Separation.

TRIGGER WARING: Strong Language, Capital Punishment, Mention of sexual abuse, Parental Abuse.

POV: Garrick

The murmurs are hushed but ring loud in my head, echoing off my scattered brain and the dark wooden walls; bouncing between the walls of my skull similarly.

This whole high-court business is a complete joke, the people that reside here hardly ever take my rule seriously. 

Considering the neighboring kingdoms have just placed their subjects under very harsh restrictions; tensions are high this evening. I remember a few years back, I had attempted to impose a curfew and the towns people rioted until it was lifted. Of course we tried to execute those who rebelled, but there were simply too many. I have since learned my lesson, but I wont be the one to back down this time. As the shackled and helpless woman kneels Infront of me, shaking and muttering prayers of a native language i have yet to attempt an understanding with. I am the sole juror who decides her fate, I have the weight of her life on my shoulders, and I will not let pathetic whispers of some scummy townsfolk affect my choice. 

Looking over to the man at least 20 years her senior, grinning ear to ear knowing her odds are in his favor, yet again, I make my decision. 

"Sir William of Keeila Dynasty, You have been sentenced to death. On the charges of Adultery, Abuse of Power,  Insestous relations, Sexual Extortion of a married woman, as well as non-consensual Sexual Misconduct with Lady Gemini of Keelia Dynasty. "

The man's grin no longer reaches his ears, now lips quivering. He also begins to shake and eventually drops to his knees as the court is silent. You can hear a hairpin drop, but all I listen to are the sobs and pleads coming from this sad excuse of a man. Two of my guards drag him out by his arms, and another set bring forth the lady. She continues her whimpering in her foreign tongue as she stumbles to kneel on the mahogany steps before me.

I clear my throat but before I get a word out, a man looking similar to the one begging and screaming for his life down the corridors of our cellar currently, stands up from the pews and yells "TREASON"

Another follows "HANG HER"

"I WANT THE HEAD OF THAT WITC-"

"-GUILTY!!"

"WHORE!!"

"HARLOT!!!"

"ILL CUT IT OFF FOR YOU!!!"

"BURN HER AT THE ST-"

The anger boils inside of me. And the next thing I know, my foot comes slamming into a hollow oak crate that sat next to me before becoming a pile on the floor, this silences the witnessing townsfolk yet again. The sound echos through the walls as heavy breaths escape from my chest.

"Guards, take him." I say pointing to the first yelling man. " Dont let me see his face again, or I will personally hang his, as well as your heads on my mantel." As the man is brought out of my court, yelling obscenities at me. I take deep, slow breaths and speak. 

"Let that be an example for you all, if you want to challenge my decision; that is the consequence. Im not putting up with any rouge vigilante nonsense tonight. Now if that's over with..." I lead off looking back over to the woman.

"Lady Gemeni, of Keelia... You have been sentenced to 3 year's time spent in the Kingdom's cellars, As well as a fine of 20 shillings. Otherwise you will be  subjected to a hot-iron branding, the symbol of an adulteress on your left clavicle. Do you agree to these terms?"