Heart Over Sword-Chapter 295: The Queen’s Sentence

After their small break, Evanna reluctantly said farewell to Arawn. Their fingers remained intertwined as she began putting distance between them away from the shadows of the gardens. Arawn’s arm was outstretched, unwilling to let go.

"*I’ll see you tonight,*" He promised her with a smile.

"*Tonight,*" Evanna smiled back, feeling her stress at ease at seeing his handsome features, even if only for a short time. She looked forward to it, even if it was to collapse in his arms after the day she was having.

"*What is tonight?*" Loraven looked between them, her gaze narrowing jokingly suspicious.

Evanna’s cheeks immediately heated, especially as Osian rounded her mother, tilting his head to the side, oblivious to the conversation.

"*Nothing!*" Evanna almost cringed at her blatant lie.

Arawn, on the other hand, couldn’t help his widening grin as he watched Evanna and felt her parents’ inquisitive gaze on him. He felt like a naughty teenager again. Actually, he’d never felt naughty. Everything he did was justified, and he was unapologetic.

"A nighttime stroll," Arawn amended. "To ease Evanna’s stress."

Loraven arched an eyebrow at him, making it apparent she was not fooled by his charm and swift answer. "Make sure to bring..." Loraven trailed off, frowning as she realised there was nobody they trusted in the palace walls to act as their chaperone. Of course, she could, but she wanted to give Evanna space with Arawn. "Ger or one of your men with you."

Loraven also wanted some time to herself. Selvin’s death never left her. It has haunted her for years, and only watching Evanna grow kept her from losing her sanity. It was why little squabbles and mindless court gossip bounced off her. It was nothing to her. Selvin was the only man she ever and would ever love, and his death came to fruition once more today. Queen Eleanor planned his death, and Sir Hugh was the one to complete the job.

Another wave of nausea crashed through her while thinking about Osian’s right-hand man. It was unthinkable, yet Loraven had grown up in Lyvaria. Betrayal and death followed those frozen halls like a second layer of skin. That didn’t mean it didn’t hurt.

"Come." Osian held his arm out for Loraven once again. "It’s time to return."

The king then looked to Evanna. "Are you ready?"

Osian would not relent on this. He could be the one to pass judgement and put his wife on the chopping block. Their minds were aligned since discussing the trial beforehand anyway. However, the king needed the nobles to acknowledge Evanna more. They needed to take her words to heart.

Their arrogance and hierarchy system sometimes blinded them to the truth that was right before them. Despite Evanna having ample materials and evidence to support her claims, they remained dismissive unless some form of power supported her.

"Ready." Evanna’s shoulders set back, and her composure returned before she followed her parents to the Great Hall.

Once they were settled again, the children and Isabel returned to their seats. The princess had left her brothers earlier, unable to remain inside. Their nannies took them outside for a walk. William and George now sat looking almost bleary-eyed. They must be tired from the long day and the emotional toll it has on them.

The nobles were much calmer than before, and everyone had returned to their spots. The Queen was awake, the side of her face red and slightly swollen; a bruise was already forming.

"It has already been a long day. So this will be quick," Osian began, his gaze roaming over the nobles as they remained silent to his gruff voice. "Eleanor Roth-"

A noise similar to a whimper or a sob escaped Eleanor’s lips. Osian had dropped her title and her surname. Eleanor was no longer a part of the royal family in the king’s eyes. "You are guilty of plotting the murder of my brother; the previous king, Selvin Goodrich, made multiple attempts on Evanna’s and Loraven’s life, the most recent being Loraven’s poisoning that was disguised as an unknown incurable disease. Evanna will make a judgement on what punishment is best suited for you."

All eyes fell on Evanna, except for Eleanor, who continued to stare at the king as though he’d committed a great sin. Evanna stepped into the former Queen’s line of sight, hiding the king and setting the stage so Evanna could only see her and not her children.

"Before discovering your involvement with Selvin’s death, I had a different punishment for you. One where your sons could still see you."

It was true. At first, Evanna thought banishment was perfect, though they would need to ensure her family didn’t try to help her. What would have been perfect for the former Queen of Dunhurst, who loved power and riches, to be stripped of her title and wealth and forced to leave and live in squaller?

The issue with banishment was that there could be an issue with William and George claiming their right to the throne. And although Evanna would find it satisfactory, it wasn’t enough for all the crimes Eleanor has committed.

"Imprisonment for the rest of your miserable life would have been fair," Evanna continued, stepping closer to Eleanor, who sat, eyes lowered and slowly rising to meet Evanna’s. "But that was before you assassinated the previous king."

"Spit it out, girl," Eleanor hissed. "You’re to be Queen to filth soon. You should at least act it."

Evanna’s hand balled into a fist. She wondered how great it felt for her mother to punch this bitch’s face?

Evanna leaned forward, dropping her voice to a whisper so only Eleanor could hear her. "Let this be my first righteous act as Queen of the filth then..." A cruel smirk tugged on Evanna’s lips as her eyes flicked between Eleanors.

Stepping back, her composure falling into place, Evanna addressed the Great Hall full of nobles. "Eleanor Roth, I hereby sentence you the ultimate punishment: death by beheading."

Eleanor’s cool features dropped as her expression paled, and her mouth parted at the princess’ words. Evanna’s words were set in stone, to be noted and scribbled into history books after this day. Eleanor would be the first Queen to be beheaded in the royal family of Dunhurst, but it was with just reasoning.

A cry could be heard from behind Evanna. She didn’t need to look behind her to know it was Isabel. She was hysterical, but the princess tuned her out. It wasn’t even on purpose. Her attention was set on the woman who had belittled her, bullied her, attempted to kill her and taught her brutal lessons about the depth of deception.

The former Queen was being reduced to ash. Shrinking before Evanna, and all that power disintegrated before her.

Eleanor’s head lowered, her eyes wide as she looked at her hands in shock. The woman sat before her with her life already flashing before her eyes. But all Evanna could see was the Queen on a chessboard being swiped away by the opponent.

The Queen has fallen.

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