“Comply with my instructions, Jack,” Jayce commanded. “Should I witness you laying another hand on her, I will not hesitate to sever your throat.”
Jayce looked back at Molly, who was gazing up at him with inquisitiveness in her puffy, tear-filled eyes. He uttered no words to her as he pivoted and exited the cell.
…
Jack derided as he faced the guard.
“You heard him; escort her to the courtroom,” Jack commanded as he trailed Jayce out of the prison.
I was astonished that they rescheduled the trial to nightfall; a sense of relief overwhelmed me as I doubted my ability to endure until morning. I found it difficult to rise; my leg was painful from Jack striking it repeatedly. I experienced lightheadedness due to the volume of blood I had lost.
The guard grasped my arm securely and assisted me in exiting the prison and proceeding to the courtroom. I was grateful for the palace’s tranquilly, as few individuals were present to observe me. That continued until we arrived at the courtroom.
The courtroom was occupied by the royal family and the palace ladies. A few maids and servants, including Mr. Leon, were positioned to the side. Upon our entrance, all gazes were directed at me. I experienced a flush in my cheeks and my heart raced as I commanded everyone’s undivided attention.
The room became silent as I proceeded down the centre towards the front. Jayce positioned himself by the podium, while Jack occupied a seat in the front row alongside Luna Queen Kamila and Lady Elsie.
I caught Abel’s gaze from the front row on the opposite side of the courtroom, alongside Ashton. Both individuals rose as I entered, their expressions tinged with concern.
Abel’s eyes widened as he assessed my battered and bruised visage. He surveyed the courtroom, attempting to ascertain which of his family members or guards had inflicted this upon me. I observed a glimmer of rage in his eyes.
I intended to inform him that I was fine, but I was unable to articulate the words. Despite being within earshot, I lacked the fortitude to attempt to speak.
Jayce gestured for me to occupy a seat adjacent to him at the podium. The guard deposited me at the seat, and I slouched as I sat down. Every part of my body was in excruciating pain, and I could no longer support myself.
I met Jack’s gaze, which was fixed on me intently, a cunning smile appearing on his lips. He was aware of his actions towards me and derived pleasure from them.
“What is your decision?” enquired Alpha King Elliott, rising from his position beside the queen.
I observed Luna Queen Kamila gazing at me, her eyes cold and penetrating.
Jayce cast a glance in my direction before surveying his family.
Jayce announced that Molly will not face charges for attempted murder.
The courtroom was filled with gasps as everyone gazed at him in astonishment. Luna Queen Kamila placed her hand on her chest, seemingly astonished by the verdict; her gaze shifted from me to Jayce, filled with profound dismay.
“Excuse me?” Kamila exclaimed.
Jayce informed them that the soup was not intended for Lady Vera. “It was meant for the queen.”
This caused Kamila to gasp more audibly as she swiftly rose to her feet.
“That is even more detrimental!” Kamila exclaimed. “She attempted to murder me!”
Jayce declared, “Molly did not place the flower in the soup.”
His gaze wandered around the courtroom until it located the individual he sought; it settled on a petite woman who stood timidly from her seat in the centre of the room.
Is it Zoe?
I recalled the last occasion I encountered Zoe; her hand was severely injured. She reported that she injured her hand in the kitchen, prompting me to assume her responsibilities during Luna Queen Kamila’s birthday celebration. She appeared apprehensive, and I surmised it was due to her fear of repercussions for not contributing to the party.
I was not well-acquainted with Zoe, yet I did not believe she possessed the capacity to attempt to assassinate the queen. What could possibly motivate her to act in such a manner? What could her motivation be?
I quickly discerned her motive as she looked up at Jayce with her teary eyes. There was an unfamiliar quality in her eyes. I looked up at Jayce, who was gazing back at her with a look of dismay on his face.
Were they cohabiting in a state of slumber?
I experienced an unusual sensation in the pit of my stomach as she neared the front of the courtroom.
“You?” Kamila enquired, regarding Zoe with a menacing glare.
Zoe inclined her head.
“I deeply apologize,” she murmured, barely perceptible, yet the courtroom’s silence magnified her words. “I placed the flower in the soup, unaware of its toxic nature. I presumed the flower’s presence would be evident, deterring Luna Queen Kamila from consuming it. My intention was not to harm anyone; I merely sought to disrupt the festivities and implicate Vera.”
“That is preposterous,” Kamila interrupted the silence of the courtroom. “Who is this young woman?”
“A maid,” Zoe articulated, directing her words towards the queen. She executed a slight curtsy. “I was previously Jayce’s paramour before Ms. Harford assumed the role of his consort.”
A subsequent series of gasps emanated from the astonished faces in the courtroom. All eyes were fixed on Zoe; no one dared to speak.
Jayce stiffened at the term “lover”; I discerned he was attempting to conceal his grimacing expression.
“I apologise. I merely intended to remove Vera from Prince Jayce’s presence,” Zoe murmured, tears streaming down her slender face.
Kamila derisively turned to Jayce.
“Do you comprehend the consequences of your actions?” Kamila admonished him; he gazed at her and sealed his lips. He restrained himself from speaking to avoid uttering words he would deeply regret. “This is the consequence of engaging with every attractive individual encountered; it results in envious former partners who may attempt to harm the queen.”
“No!” Zoe exclaimed, her voice reverberating throughout the court. “I have never attempted to kill anyone, your majesty. That is the reason I made the flower conspicuous.”
Queen Kamila of Luna expressed her disdain by rolling her eyes.
