Cathedral of Saint Alaric - Dawn
The second day of the tribunal began in silence.
The gallery was even more packed than yesterday. Word had spread. The trial of the century. Patricide. Conspiracy. Noble houses falling.
Everyone wanted to witness history.
Draven sat in the same spot. Duke Valerius beside him. Behind them—Elise, composed but tense. The other women scattered throughout. All watching.
Across the aisle: three empty chairs. Marcus, Redwyn, and Sterling were below. In holding cells. Awaiting judgment.
High Justice Thorne entered. Duchess Margaret. Archbishop Cornelius. All wearing black robes. Faces grave.
They'd reviewed the evidence. All night. Every document. Every testimony. Every vial.
And they'd reached a decision.
Thorne struck his gavel. Three times.
"This tribunal reconvenes. Bring forth the accused."
