Heart Over Sword-Chapter 290: The Trial (1)

The Great Hall stirred with heads of the noble families speaking among each other, the hall abuzz with hushed discussions about the serious crime committed and one allegedly by Queen Eleanor. None of the royal family members had arrived yet, but their thrones were set out already. Guards surrounded the walls as the nobles sat along two long tables diagonal to the thrones, creating a diamond shape and a space where the defendant could sit on the singular chair, and any evidence provided would be placed in front of the nobles.

The doors opened with a loud rumbling sound, and the herald announced the arrival of King Osian, Princess Evanna, Princess Isabel, and, unfortunately, the young princes, William and George, followed behind. Evanna didn’t want them to bear witness to the fall of their mother, no matter how much she wanted to take her down, but the King and the boys insisted they attend. The princess knew they were too young to understand anything, though, and it would be tough whether they witnessed this trial or not.

The Queen was guilty of multiple assassination attempts against Lady Loraven and poisoned her throughout the years. King Osian never provided Evanna with an answer about the Queen’s punishment, but there were laws in place. Once she was found guilty, the boys wouldn’t see Eleanor again.

The King sat on the middle throne, the largest out of the others, whilst the Princesses sat on either side of him. For once, Isabel remained quiet, her expression neutral. William and George sat beside Isabel just as Lady Loraven entered the Great Hall.

Upon her arrival, the chatter between the nobles began again. Loraven and Evanna were always cause for discussion; this time, the ’King’s mistress’ was a victim. Loraven looked pale, but she managed to walk without difficulty and kept her head held high. She sat beside Evanna, sharing a look with her before the hall went silent at the last person’s arrival. Queen Eleanor walked in, looking regal in her gown and jewels. No chains bound the Queen.

She did not look like she was attending her trial; instead, she was attending a banquet or celebration. At least she did not smile broadly. No, no, that wouldn’t work on the nobles now; she needed their favour. Two guards did escort her, though, a reminder of why she was there. They escorted her to the chair in the middle where all could steady their intimidating gaze.

Eleanor did not sit, causing Evanna to tilt her head to the side, scrutinising her. She didn’t believe she would be there long, so sitting was not necessary. The confidence the Queen oozed momentarily unsettled Evanna. She rid her thoughts of such anxiety, reminding herself of all the evidence against Eleanor, causing her hand to tighten into a fist.

Loraven’s hand was placed over hers, strength guiding her hand to release and calm the rage and anxiousness trying to consume her. Evanna glanced at her mother, who, even though had been poisoned and on this cycle of declining health for years, among assassination attempts and other ordeals, she still looked beautiful, if a little off-colour. Evanna squeezed her mother’s hand back before flicking her gaze back to the nobles ahead.

She sought out Arawn; just one look at him would also ease her mind. However, the prince, although her soon-to-be-husband, was not allowed within the trial. It was to be kept quiet, and only those within the Great Hall were allowed to bear witness to it. The kingdom needed to appear as stable as possible right now, especially with the ongoing fighting to the north, where Hatherland was expanding into an empire.

King Osian greeted the nobles, announcing why they were there, and it all went over Evanna’s head. She held Eleanor’s gaze. The Queen did not glare, mock, or scoff at the King’s words; she looked calm and content and continuously stared at the princess.

"Evanna."

Loraven squeezed Evanna’s hand as she registered her father’s voice. Her gaze flicked to King Osian, who was gesturing with his hand towards her. They agreed that she would show evidence to support her case against the Queen, and although the nobles could vote, it was the King’s overall choice if Queen Eleanor was innocent or guilty. All of this was really a show for the nobles, so they understood why the Queen would lose her crown.

Rising from her seat, Evanna cleared her throat, nodding once at one of the guards by the doors as she strode towards the middle of the hall.

"I’m going to keep this simple," Evanna began, which already stirred the nobles to whisper among themselves. Most of them didn’t like her anyway, so it was always going to be a tough crowd. This would also work as a moment to prove herself to them, not that she needed to now. "I have gathered evidence that supports my claim that Queen Eleanor Goodrich has made multiple attempts on my mother’s, Lady Loraven’s life as well as my own."

The murmurs from before quietened. Evanna’s gaze swept along the nobles as she continued, "Lady Loraven was diagnosed by multiple physicians that she was terminal, to die within six months after years of gradually losing a fight against an ’unknown’ disease.

"It wasn’t until recently we discovered that what had been slowly killing my mother was nothing more than poison. What I have here are records of two plants that, when digested separately, are not toxic... When they are digested together, it is poison. Which." Evanna raised her voice to the stir of the nobles’ voices. "Is exactly what happened the night Lady Loraven collapsed in the banquet."

Evanna spread scrolls full of information regarding the two plants out for the nobles to see on either table. Osian had already seen this supporting evidence, but a guard delivered the papers to him once the nobles were down scanning the contents.

Ronan and Axel arrived, escorting the physician, who looked nervous and previously stated that Loraven was not poisoned. "At some point during the day, either Winterbane Thistle or Nightshade was put in Lady Loraven’s food or drink and in the evening when she had her wine."

"If this is the case," one of the noblemen began; Evanna bit her tongue when she saw it was Duke Ember, a close acquaintance of the Queen. The family were supporters of Eleanor. "Then why did the physician state Lady Loraven was not poisoned?"

Evanna expected the Duke to be annoying, and this would be one of many questions he would ask.

Surprisingly, he didn’t mock her, which might work in his and the Queen’s favour- to take it seriously, and if she slips up, then all the blame falls on Evanna. She’d always played a part in the games these nobles and royals played. She knew how it went and how to play them right back.

It was a snake pit full of vipers ready to latch onto her at the smallest of movements. This was a big case, but Evanna was ready for justice.

"I-I can answer that," the physician spoke up, stepping forward. Evanna gestured for him to continue, and she glanced at Ronan and Axel. They remained by his side for a couple of days, ensuring the physician wouldn’t do anything stupid or be attacked. "We have restricted access to such knowledge in our medical fields in the kingdom. These flowers do not grow here, and although I do have some knowledge of herbs and plants in other kingdoms, it is very limited. The Winterbane Thistle and Nightshade are rare and among the Hatherland Kingdom."

The nobles spoke among themselves again, and Evanna knew their thoughts were directed towards the northern kingdom, much like how hers had been initially. They were expanding vastly, and now, with the Demon Prince returning to his homeland, it was only about to get more chaotic.

"I carried out experiments, investigated the wine and can confirm what her Highness, princess Evanna, has stated. When put together, it is a lethal dose of poison." The physician then proceeded to bow his head in the King’s direction and at Lady Loraven. "I deeply apologise for my grave mistake, and with the king’s permission, I wish to expand my knowledge in areas that other kingdoms could also help us with-"

"I will grant you an audience within the month to discuss this further," King Osian interrupted. "Thank you for your statement. You may sit on the side in case your expertise is needed once more."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"You can confirm Lady Loraven has been poisoned..." Duke Ember began, nodding along. "But what evidence is there to prove Her Majesty the Queen was involved? That is quite the accusation, and one that might backfire, and imprisonment is one potential repercussion among a few. Royalty or not."

"Thank you, Duke Ember," Evanna replied cooly. "I am getting to that now."

Evanna signalled the guards once more, and the doors opened again. This time, Ger entered behind the two chambermaids. Evanna’s gaze flicked to the Queen to see her reaction, but she arched her eyebrow as though she found the display childish. It made Evanna highly suspicious of what might happen next.

Still, Evanna kept her composure as Maggie and Loraven’s chambermaid, Jude, were brought forward.

"What is this?" Another noble questioned loudly. The chambermaids stood in their grimy garments, bearing the signs of torture they’d endured. "I do not consider servants to be reliable witnesses. They can be easily influenced with a bit of coin."

A few others began to object, but the King raised his hand. "Silence." He did not need to raise his voice, but the hall instantly grew silent. "It is obvious with one look that these witnesses have been tortured. Did they confess, Evanna?"

The Queen gaped at her husband, shock written on her face. Evanna read the betrayal flash across Eleanor’s eyes before they hardened.

"Father! How can you so easily-"

The King slammed his fist down on his throne, silencing his daughter. Princess Isabel shut her mouth and glared at Evanna because, of course, this was all she was doing. Evanna internally rolled her eyes, though she did try to placate the anger flickering beneath her skin at her sister-no-cousin.

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