Found Frozen

Chapter 25

25

"You may be seated Princess." The Judge said.

She slowly sat down, taking my hand in hers and gripping it tightly. It hurt a little, but I ignored it and tried rubbing my thumb over her knuckles soothingly. She stood upright, like there was a metal rod in her back and her eyes were focused.

"Prince Daniel," the Judge called. I looked up at her, Euphoria's grip getting tighter on my hand. "Please rise."

I rose and released my hand from Euphoria's, taking a step to the rail.

"How long have you known Sam?"

"I knew his wife, Rachel, who helped my mother nurse me since I was a small child. I met Sam for the first time when I went to drop off Princess Euphoria at her home in North America."

"Did he seem intimidating, harmful?"

"No, just very protective of his adopted daughter. He knew who I was the moment he saw me, but in no way threatened me or insulted me. He is one of the greatest men I know."

"Even though he poisoned your father, the king?"

My jaw hardened. "He was forced, put into a corner. He wouldn't harm a fly unless it was to protect those he loved.I know I would do the same if it was to keep Euphoria safe."

"You would?" the Judge asked.

"In a heartbeat." I looked at Euphoria who looked back with a loving stare. I gave her a smile. "When you love someone, you'd do anything in the world for them. Sam and Rachel would do anything for each other. He did what he did to save someone much important to him." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "I forgive him, as all of you should."

Everyone gasped, some standing up in shock or outrage. The Judge began yelling out commands and when it finally calmed down she brought her attention to me again. "You believe he should not get proper punishment?"

"I believe he should get a different punishment."

"The rules are very strict, Prince Daniel. No one has broken the law in fifty years, and being lenient on one man, may cause an upset in our law enforcement."

"After Solian Day, when Euphoria and I are married, we will become rulers of this land. It's time for some change, why not begin with this law?"

People clapped and agreed, to my appreciation.

"And what punishment should he receive?" Mother asked.

"...A flogging. twenty five."

Some gasped in shock, and Euphoria was quick to stand and defend.

"Daniel! How could you?" she cried.

"Would you rather have him dead?" I ground at her, my wolf slightly showing. Everyone fell silent, and I looked at Euphoria in horror. Her face mirrored mine. The words came out harsher than I thought they would.

I looked up at the Judge and my mother who stared at me in awe.

"We will go into a recess, meet in an hour." The Judge said slowly.

Euphoria shot out of her chair and rushed through the people walking out down the aisle. I ran after her, beginning to get the sick feeling in my stomach that I had when I scratched her. I caught up to her and turned her around.

"E, I'm sorry-"

"Let go of me!" she yelled, ripping her arm out of mine. "A flogging?! People die from that!"

"Twenty five really isn't that bad-"

She glared at me darkly, her blue eyes as bright as the blue in fire.