Moon of Misfortunes

11

My two books were spread apart on the floor. Rubio had snuck me a notebook with some pens and highlighters. I had a few papers scattered around, covered in notes. I had found a few loopholes in the law, specifically around due process, which I didn't receive in my trial. My ruling was final, with no witnesses, no proof, no intent, and—most importantly—no weapons. I looked at my notebook one last time, my eyes fixated on the terms of appeals. Frustration welled up inside me, and I huffed, tossing the notebook to the ground.

I had been so worried about the pups after I am gone. Obviously, Nikolai has no idea about the twins, so he would not be an ideal candidate. I entertained the idea of sending them to my sister, Lidea, but Nikolai had an alliance with that pack and frequented there often. While I am no longer a fan of Nikolai, he is no idiot. He would know almost immediately who the father is and probably harm Lidea for not confessing his fatherhood as soon as she got them. I couldn't stomach the thought of risking any of my family for the benefit of my pups. 

My mind wandered to Rubio. Maybe he could watch after them, I thought. I wasn't sure what Rubio even did in the palace besides coming in and out of my personal prison. I was convinced that he was my only hope of keeping my pups safe and Nikolai-free. I didn't want Nikolai to have them, not after what I had been through.

My mind wandered back to my case and my impending appeal. I needed to—had to—tell Rubio about appealing my case. I wanted to have at least one person in my corner rooting for me, someone who would honor my wishes. I looked down at the notebook, rubbing my face roughly. I sucked in a breath and reached for my newest book. I cracked it open, quickly flipping through the pages until I landed back on the section about appeals. I carefully began writing down the paraphrased information:

Submit formal request to the Council. List of demands must be present. For me, I need witnesses, evidence, intent, weapon, etc.Council to hold appeal within one week of request.

My writing was interrupted by the chime of the locks being unlocked, and the door cracked open after a few moments. In a panic, I shoved the notes and books under the couch, attempting to hide them from the incoming guest. I had been more careless and sloppy with my hiding techniques lately. The reality was that anyone could enter the room at any time.

The door continued to open, and a figure stepped into the room. I stood up quickly, dusting myself off. Rubio closed the door behind him with his foot, balancing a huge dinner tray in his hands. He approached the end table, as he perpetually did, and traded out the trays. I breathed a heavy sigh of relief. A pit of nervousness settled in my stomach, making it almost impossible to speak. Rubio noticed my unusual behavior.

"Everything okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern as he set down the tray. He furrowed his eyebrows tightly, attempting to read me. 

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my nerves. "Yeah, just... a lot on my mind," I replied, my voice shaky.

He studied me for a moment, his brown eyes searching mine. "You sure?" he asked, stepping closer.

"We need to talk," I croaked out, my voice trembling with nervousness.

"Okay," he nodded and began to sit down. "What's going on?"

"I am most likely going to... die soon. I hate to ask you to worry about this, but I was wondering if you could take care of my pups when I die? Make sure that they are okay and grow up well," I breathed out. He looked at me wide-eyed.

"Oh Adaline," he said, looking directly forward, his face pained.

"You don't have to if you don't want to, I just—"

"No, I will do it," he interrupted. "I just have to figure some things out beforehand. Is that all you wanted to talk about?"

I swallowed hard and began again, "No, I also wanted to talk about my case. I want to appeal my case and try to win my freedom back."