Four Hearts

Chapter 39

Allegra

The sun shined down on the path to the capital's courthouse. Smiling people can be found everywhere. Allegra keeps her hands in her pockets to stop herself from pounding in all those happy faces. The court is half empty when they walk in. Most were reading or carrying on light conversation. She sits down in the front row, directly across from where her mother will be sitting. There are rows of benches all around for spectators. The benches are surrounding a small, square area in the back of the room. There's a stand in the middle of the square arena for the citizen on trial. The stand for the judge is in the back, against the wall with two tables on each side for the lawyers presenting the case. Milena, Cedric, and Zain stay quiet as Allegra waits with her arms crossed for the trial to start.

More people slowly pile in to watch as if it were a show. No one comes near the front row thanks to the Ravenwood employees blocking each side. Allegra adjusts her uniform jacket, mumbling curses toward the kids who packed her bag with only her school clothes. Milena puts her hand on Allegra's shoulder, "It's going to be okay. She'll be set free in no time."

"What if she's not? She could end up in prison for who knows how long. She...she said I would be able to go back to her once school was over. I wouldn't have to good back to my dad."

"That could still happen," Zain says. "She could win the case and have a complete pardon. I made sure to read up on these sorts of things on the way here. Did you know you could get books on your notepad from the library?!"

"What's the chances of that happening?"

"That depends on the crime she was charged with and what evidence they have."

The courtroom goes silent as the sound of shackles rings in Allegra's ear. She turns around and finds her mother in handcuffs being escorted by two guards into the room.

"Mom!" she shouts before being grabbed by her friends, who stop her from jumping out of her seat.

Her mother closes her eyes and keeps walking. Behind her and the guards are two lawyers in suits with briefcases and coffee. One of the two yawns as he takes his seat next to the judges stand and Allegra feels her blood boiling. Then she hears gasps. The king and prince walk through the door. Prince Evarard takes a seat in the row behind them while his father takes a seat at the judges stand.

"What's going on?" Allegra asks, her throat going dry.

"In serious cases, the king may choose to act as judge," Zain explains. "Usually it's for cases that get the attention of the public or treason."

"Treason? My mom was charged with-"

Allegra is cut off by the booming voice of the king, "Please state your name."

"Gilda Frock," her mother replies.

"You are 32 years of age, married to Richard Frock, and have one daughter, correct?"

"Yes."

"You are here today because the country of Dasfia has charged you with treason, correct?"

"Yes."

Allegra's hand shoots up over her mouth. Zain leans over, and whispers in her ear, "How honest do you want me to be about her chances of winning?"

She turns to him and bites her lip.

"Let's begin then," the king says. "Mr. Hunter, please present your case."

The lawyer who yawned gets up from his chair stands in front of Gilda.

"We have no physical evidence nor witnesses. Permission to question Gilda Frock?"

"Permission granted," the king replies.