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"Marista, why didn't you ever say anything?" King Mercia asked his sister.
"I assumed you already knew, Mercia, that's why I never brought it up." She told him honestly. "You took her death very hard. You went into a really dark place for a long time. I always thought you knew about the baby. I am very sorry you never knew."
Judge Lellon struck her gavel and the sound hurt a lot of people's ears. "I need order in the room. King Mercia, please sit down."
Mermista turned to the judge, "Excuse me is there any possible way of getting a report of my mother's," She swallowed the word and soured her face, "Autopsy."
Judge Lellon nodded. "Yes, I'd like to see that myself. Court will resume in one hour." She said to the crowd, hit her gavel again and hurried off.
Mermista got up and walked over to her father. They hugged each other. "I'm sorry you didn't know about momma."
They pulled apart and he asked, "How far along was she?"
Mermista shrugged, "Marista, do you know how far along she was?" She weakly smiled at Andreas, he was very tall with dark hair and cinnamon eyes. And she smiled a little at Krishell, medium height, lightly tan with magneta hair and green eyes.
"At least tweleve weeks, maybe more." Marista told her and Mercia.
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Krishell then said, "Alina was even talking about baby names. She had a small list. It's probably still stuck in a book or journal back at the castle."
Mermista hugged her. "Thanks, Kris, I'll look for it."
"I need coffee." Marika said, grabbing Mermista's arm and pulling her away. "Let's hurry and go to Salty Sweet." As they walked she yelled at the guy's, "Come with us!"
For a pregnant woman she was fast on her feet. Marika nearly sprinted to Salty Sweet while everyone else lagged behind.
Sure another drink sounded great. I was a bit thirsty anyway and Mermista hadn't had anything today.
I tried to hold Mermista's hand, but she pulled away from me. I left her alone after that and let her lean on Amara. I got a small milkshake because that's what I was in the mood for. From the counter I listened as the girl's talked about Alina, Mercia and the unborn baby.
The other guys sat at a table by themselves chatting away. I just didn't feel much for interacting with anyone other than Mermista right now.
Soon everyone was back in the court room and seated as the judge looked at paperwork.
Mr. Jodd asked, "Judge Lellon, can my client speak now?"
"Mr. Jodd, do not speak unless you are called on." She looked down at a picture in the paper from years ago. It was of Alina hanging by a massive hook in the center of SeaWorthy. She was scanning the article. She'd already read the autopsy report. "John, will you please come to the stand and get sworn in."
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After John was sworn in Judge Lellon asked, "Have you ever owned a ship called The Red Phoenix?"
John scratched his face. "Yes, and it burned down not too long ago. We, my crew and I had thought it was the Horde, but now I'm thinking it was these Merfolk."
"Is there any evidence?" She asked.
John scanned all of them and the pirates in the back. "I wish there was. I just have this gut feeling someone out there went and burned my ship down!" He yelled out.
