Given a Second Chance (Hiatus)

Execution

A/N: Two updates within a week, whoooo!

"Father, there must have been a mistake."

I was currently forced to kneel in front of the King in the throne room. His superiority was increased by his position on his elegant chair. Michael stood next to him, his expression troubled. Beside me was Alice, who looked completely confused and frightened. I, however, struggled to keep my facade of emotionless. 

"Michael, I assure you that there is no mistake. These girls had trespassed to where they didn't belong. They are no more than petty thieves, trying to steal a sacred object!" He roared, leading Alice to flinch. A few feet away was Alex, who desperately wanted to speak up for his girlfriend, but knew better than to offend the King. 

"...Please. At least allow them to defend themselves," Michael begged. I just didn't know for whom. To the eyes of outsiders, Alice and I had fought. One of us had to be the good guy and the other evil. Which meant one would also be destined to be executed, for reasons such as treason if the King knew more than he let on. 

The King shook his head. "Even in your tastes in friends, you disappoint me, son. Very well. I will allow them to speak." Michael's eyes darkened momentarily, but he nodded. 

The King faced us as if to make a point. However, I couldn't say anything. The truth was, I really was trying to steal the sword. Or 'borrow' in my own words. But I couldn't admit that it was because I suspected that Alice was actually possessed by a higher tier of Inanima. It would reveal that I had prior knowledge of this whole ordeal, causing more suspicion to fall upon myself. So I let Alice speak first. I didn't miss her eyes flashing, but everyone else did. 

"I was in the midst of patrolling when I heard a noise. Of course, it was my duty to check it out. I was very surprised to find a gaping hole in the wall, but I knew by the time I found someone else to come with me to check out the situation, the wall could've closed up again. So I went down to investigate." Alice spoke with great hesitation, but it somehow only made her words even more believable. I don't think I have a way out of this. 

"Continue," urged Alex, igniting a faint glare from the King. 

Alice took a gulp and continued speaking. "At the bottom of the steps, I found Camille. Or, she found me. The moment she saw my face, she attacked. I tried to defend myself, but she was too strong. She kicked me and ran towards the sword held in the middle of the room. That was when you came in, your majesty."

The King looked satisfied with Alice's explanation. Alex's expression was just plain murderous. 

"So, you're saying that Camille here is the culprit of thievery from the Royal family, and you're just an onlooker who tried to prevent her crime?" The King, however, still wanted a direct confirmation.

Alice said nothing. But her silence was good enough. 

"I think I've heard enough," the King declared. "Guards-"

"Wait!" The King looked monotonously to his son. Michael immediately lowered his voice. 

"Don't you think that if we gave Alice a chance to talk, we should give one to Camille as well?" he asked. 

A tense silence followed until the King spoke out again. "Very well. I am waiting for updates on the situation, anyway," he met eyes with his advisor, who shook his head. 

I cleared my throat, quickly scanning my mind for a good lie. "I admit that I wasn't exactly... on task. However, my curiosity got the best of me," I began. 

"Curiosity?" The King inquired. 

"Yes. Imagine my surprise when I came upon a wall with an obvious piece sticking out!" I faked a surprised expression as best as I could. The King cleared his throat uncomfortably.