Blood Royals Bonus Book: Adryan & The Throne Book 2

Chapter 27: How Do You Plead?

Adryan's POV
The atmosphere is tense and somber.

I am standing at the center of this dimly lit room that casts a solemn ambiance. The aged wooden pews are filled with spectators and accusing onlookers. I wonder when they got time to assemble an entire court room of people within an hour of my arrest. It feels staged. The only thing true is the wintry landscape, with snowflakes gently falling outside.

This would have been cozy if I was not on trial for murder.

I am anxious and uncertain of what will happen next. I am still trying to get my thoughts in order.

The judges in their elevated position are presiding with stern expressions. The jury that will probably find me guilty had to be whipped together fast! Or was this in the works from long ago? It's a perfect crime.

The individuals in winter attire are listening intently, their breath visible in the cold air. The list if accusations is as long as my laundry list of flaws. This is bad.

The prosecution has made a convincing argument that paints me as a cruel murderous general. I can hear the voices of those behind me echoing in the hushed room. They think I'm guilty. The courtroom is draped in an air of anticipation as the weight of the murder trial bears down on all present, both inside and those gathered outside, where the snow continues to fall. They are all awaiting the sentencing of a former prince and a valiant General. In the many faces plastered against the windows, I saw a familiar face. Keli. But just as fast I saw him, he vanished.

This morning didn't start like any other morning I have had. I woke up because I was startled by howling wolves. The north if Saine Neane is notorious for the presence of snow wolves. I thought one was close by.

Upon opening my eyes, I nearly suffered a heart attack at the sight of Thiana next to me. Her brown eyes being open and still got me to jump out of the covers. In the dimly lit room, I took note of the stains of blood not just on the sheets but all over my chest and my hands. I peeled away the blankets to see her naked and her midsection cut.

Before I could react, men stormed into my tent and subdued me. I called for Keli but he didn't come. No one did. As they dragged me out of the tent, I realized why no one is responding. They are all lying still wherever they fell.

With only my trousers and without a shirt they dragged me through the cold morning, wrists tied behind my back.

They brought me here and the accusations began. Sexual assault. Multiple counts of murder. Numerous crimes against the Chrystal Isles. I'm guilty of the last two but not the first. I never touched the daughter of Milos. I sent her away and went to sleep.

I have been set up.

This is the worst time for this to be happening. I am in the middle of a lot of plans. Prison and execution don't fit in.

"Prince Adryan, on the accusation of sexual assault, multiple counts of murder and numerous crimes against The sovereign lands of the Chrystal Isles, how do you plead?"

"First things first -"

"Guilty or not guilty are the only words required from you!" The head judge told me sharply.

"As I was saying before you so rudely interrupted, what the fuck is going on here?" I looked around the room. "Is this something that usually happens in this icy hell? A ready courtroom to falsely sentence innocent people?"

"You are not innocent!"

"That is correct. I have my vices but they do not include sexual assault or the murder of the daughter of Milos." I glanced at the man glaring at me. His wife is a mess. "I have a wife.  I don't have a reason to sexually assault anyone. I am not guilty."