Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 728: The Hearing - 1

"His Majesty, King Oberon!" the herald announced as the grand hall’s massive doors swung open.

Instantly, the ministers and high lords fell to their faces, prostrating in reverence. King Oberon’s presence was commanding, his face a mask of serene authority that radiated power and evoked envy. His gaze remained fixed ahead, ignoring the bowed heads of his subjects as he walked the ceremonial path toward his throne.

Trailing behind King Oberon were his three sons, each embodying the dignity and grace of their royal lineage. The eldest, Prince Theodore, with his green hair and formal attire, wore a perpetual frown, as though locked in a personal battle with the world. Beside him, Andre, usually the epitome of warmth and charm, had adopted a rare seriousness, reflecting the gravity of the occasion.

Crown Prince Valerie, with a stern expression, seemed ready for war, his demeanor adding to the room’s already tense atmosphere.

Together, they formed a formidable presence. Their synchronized steps and unwavering expressions projected a powerful image, as if they were capable of defeating any foe and bringing them down to their feet.

The sight of the royal family, united and formidable, only heightened the sense of awe and trepidation among the gathered ministers and high lords. As King Oberon ascended the throne, his sons, Andre and Theodore, moved to stand beside the lords and ministers, their faces showing complete indifference.

Crown Prince Valerie, however, joined his father on the dais, taking his place beside King Oberon. His chair, slightly smaller than the King’s, underscored his role as the heir apparent. Valerie’s stern gaze swept the room, reinforcing the weight of his position and the unity of the royal family. Their presence, resolute and imposing, set an unmistakable tone of seriousness and power within the grand hall.

"You may rise," King Oberon declared, his voice resonating through the hall. The assembly obediently stood, their eyes filled with apprehension and tension as they awaited the king’s words.

They looked around the grand hall, eyes darting between one another. Each had heard whispers of the news and knew it was the reason for this sudden assembly. Low murmurings began to rise, a chorus of anxious speculation.

"Thank you for honoring this assembly," King Oberon began, his voice cutting through the noise. "I’m sure you all have heard the sorrowful news that has befallen our kingdom, which is why I will get straight to the point." The noise only grew louder.

"Silence!" Prince Valerie boomed, his authoritative voice echoing through the hall. A heavy silence fell over the assembly.

King Oberon continued, his steely gaze sweeping across his ministers, holding their eyes as he spoke. "We have lost a promising Fae and my would-have-been daughter-in-law to the cold hands of death...."

As the King spoke, the grand hall’s doors burst open. Heads turned to see Lord Raysin, his wife Juan, and other members of their household entering. What stunned everyone was Queen Maeve leading them. Elegantly poised yet radiating a palpable fury, it was clear she had come prepared for confrontation. As she stepped into the center of the hall, the high lords and ministers bowed their heads. Even the princes inclined their heads in respect, all except King Oberon, whose authority remained paramount. King Oberon and Queen Maeve locked gazes, a crackling tension filling the space between them.

The room watched this charged exchange, the air thick with anticipation, until a smile suddenly played on Queen Maeve’s lips.

"Your Majesty, King Oberon," Queen Maeve intoned, her voice smooth, as she and the members of the Raysin family offered their formal respects. It was clear to all that their respect was born of protocol, not sincerity, their grief too raw for pleasantries.

"What a surprise to see you here, my Queen," King Oberon said, mock surprise tinging his tone.

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Queen Maeve replied, her words dripping with implication. "I have been remiss in my duties lately, but I decided it was time to rectify that. What better occasion than to ensure justice for my own relative and would-have-been daughter-in-law, Elena. I can’t wait to see justice served."

King Oberon wasn’t honestly surprised by what was happening. No, it was playing out the way just the way he had seen it coming. He knew his dearly beloved wife, Queen Maeve would seize this moment for trouble. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for to get rid of his son Aldric. Even if the Raysin family had chosen to relinquish the case, Maeve would not. Her entrance alongside them only confirmed her intentions.

"Since that’s the case, come take your place," King Oberon gestured to the smaller throne on his left side. This was her recognized position.

Queen Maeve, however, declined, her voice steady and clear. "I would prefer to sit among my people and mourn with them."

King Oberon’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded, granting her request. Without a word, Queen Maeve moved to join the Raysin family, her presence a silent declaration of her support.

King Oberon noticed the interaction between Queen Maeve and Lord Raysin, the way he subtly inclined his head, as if appreciating her willingness to mourn with them. Not that Oberon believed that bullshit one bit.

Queen Maeve had not batted an eye while she abused Valerie. Not to mention, she had not even been close to Elena. It was obvious. His lovely wife was only here to stir trouble.

Once she was seated, King Oberon looked out over the gathered assembly. The air was thick with anticipation and anxiety, the ministers and high lords shifting uneasily as they awaited the King’s next words.

"The session begins," King Oberon announced, his voice firm. "We are here to address the tragic loss of Elena and to seek justice for her untimely death."

Queen Maeve lifted her head proudly, seemingly satisfied at the mention of "justice" while the rest of the hall fell silent, the tension palpable.

This was going to be a long and intense hearing.