Collided Worlds

Chapter 1

“What part of ‘I’m innocent’ don’t you understand?” The man asked, his emotion frightened as his eyes were wide and fell onto us, and Dad was sitting next to me, tapping his fingers on the armrest of his throne, angry with the man.

“There is evidence against you!” Dad shouted at him. “You can’t go against the truth!”

“Look, your Highness, I don’t know where she could’ve gone, but I didn’t kill her!” The man was trembling as he spoke, but Dad didn’t seem to care.

“Dad, um…” Aaron trailed, gaining his attention. "His fingerprints weren't found, at least I think that's what the investigator said…"

“You don’t know that. They try to deceive you, so you can trust them… but you can’t.” Dad made it very clear, speaking not as a King, but as a Dad. “Understand that.”

“Yes, Dad.” Aaron and I said in unison.

It’s almost been a year and a half since my family reunion with my mother and little sister. Dad said after we turned seventeen, we had to participate in federal court. I’m not sure why, but I think it’s a way to get us to spend more time together. Although, when it’s only us three, the entire family isn’t in on it.

“So what do you say, Calia?” Dad asked me. “What do you think?”

“I’m not sure…” I trailed off. I don’t care that much about the federal court, so I would blank out every now and then, so I don’t even know what the case is about. All I know is that some guy killed some girl, and he was getting tried for it.

“Aaron?” He asked my twin brother.

“I think he’s guilty.” Aaron said, nodding his head to make him look professional, although I think he was just agreeing with Dad so we didn't get another lecture.

“I’m innocent!” The man shouted furiously, making my head jerk up at the noise.

Oh, and just so you know, in Tanyela, there is no jury. It’s the royalty decision, majority rule, and that's exactly what we are.

“By court order, we summon thee, guilty of murder in the first degree.” Dad’s voice boomed around the room, although it was only us and some guards. “Take him away.” I dipped my head and shut my eyes, not wanting to see the guards take him away.

“Okay, so that’s that.” Aaron said, standing up and raising his arms to stretch. “Now what?”

“Well, tonight I promised your mother something special. It’s her birthday, you know.” Dad smiled at the thought as we left the room.

I gasped and clasped my hand over my mouth. I’m so forgetful.

“You forgot, didn’t you?” Aaron asked, laughing.

“I didn’t forget! It just slipped my mind for a while.” I replied defensively.