Page 28 of Embers to Flames

My eyes brim with tears, and I muster all my strength to hold them back. “We had an argument the night the guards came for him. He was… not himself.”

Ailwin takes a step towards me, his stern face turns sympathetic. “Miss Hepburn, if you will, please explain how he was not himself.”

A lump forms in my throat, and I no longer have the strength to hold back the tears. Droplets begin to fall from my eyes. “I didn’t know it at the time… I wasn’t certain…” I stumble on my words. “But my husband has been abusing Auraroot.”

Soft exclamations of surprise and muted murmurs sweep across the throne room. Lord Ailwin continues, “Was that the reason for the argument?”

Will this ever end?

“Not directly, My Lord. He was upset that I had gone to visit him at the market that day. I went to talk to him about…” I’m not sure I can continue this. I hang my head, softly sobbing. I look up at Mikyl, his eyes are red and swollen from crying.

He’s sitting there, vulnerable, laid bare by the truth of his actions, and in this moment, he is nothing but the raw, unfiltered essence of contrition.

“I went to talk to him about an item of clothing that I found… it… it had blood on it.”

More gasps of shock resound throughout the room.

Lord Ailwin nods, “I see. Well, Miss Hepburn, we thank you for your testimony. You are dismissed.”

I take a deep breath and wipe away my tears as I make my way back to my seat. The courtroom is deathly silent as I sit down next to Theo, who squeezes my hand reassuringly. I look up at him, and I can see the sadness and understanding in his eyes.

King Varitan clears his throat, “Lords of Quillyan, it seems that we have heard all the evidence that is necessary. Thecouncil will deliberate in private and return with a verdict shortly.”

It feels like an eternity has passed. Theo’s grip on my hand provides some comfort, but deep down, I know that everything is not going to be okay. My marriage to Mikyl may be over, but I can’t bear to see him face the death penalty for a crime he didn’t commit.

The doors of the throne room open and the King and High Lords return. King Varitan speaks to the court, “The council has come to a decision.”

The room falls into a tense silence, with only Mikyl’s sobs echoing through the space. He is at the mercy of someone else’s opinion of him. His fate depends on words that have yet to be spoken. In his heart, he holds onto hope for forgiveness while struggling against the fear of rejection. All he can do is wait, tears silently bearing witness to his agony.

King Varitan looks solemnly at Mikyl and declares, “The court has determined that you are… innocent of the murder charge brought against you.”

The courtroom erupts in a wave of whispered conversations. Mikyl’s cries turn into silent sobs, his body shaking with the force of his emotions.

The King raises his hand to silence the room. “This decision was not made lightly. Though many spoke against you,their words were but shadows without substance. None saw the fatal blow struck, and there were others who might have wielded the knife. The testimony of your wife, Rosanhi, revealed your troubled mind, clouded by the dark grip of Auraroot. This does not make you a murderer.”

He pauses, his gaze sweeping the room. “The blood-stained garment found by Rosanhi, though damning, does not bind you to the crime with certainty. The council has found that doubt lingers over your guilt, like a mist that cannot be pierced. Thus, we cannot condemn you.”

Relief floods through me, and I allow myself to finally let out a held breath. Mikyl looks at me, his eyes wide with shock. Tears stream down his face, but this time they are tears of reprieve.

The King continues, “However, in light of your wife’s testimony, and by your own admission, you are to be found guilty of onslaught. You are hereby sentenced to a term of three years at Malon Prison.”

The guards move towards Mikyl, but he doesn’t resist. He knows he has no choice but to accept the consequences of his actions.

As they lead him away, he turns to look at me one last time. I can see the regret and sadness in his eyes, but also a hint of gratitude. I watch as he disappears behind the throne room’s doors, a heavy feeling settling in my chest.

The room begins to empty, leaving Theo and I alone with our thoughts. I close my eyes, trying to push away the imageof Mikyl’s broken figure being led away. Theo gently pulls me into a hug, and I let myself lean against him.

Despite the comfort I feel, a profound sense of shame engulfs me, making it difficult to breathe. I turn my face into Theo’s chest, letting out an earth-shattering sob. He wraps his arms around me tighter, “It’s alright, Rose,” he says gently. “You did what you had to do.”

But did I?

The question haunts me like an unending nightmare. As my husband was taken away, why did I feel this terrible sense of relief mixed with sorrow? Why did Mikyl’s departure feel like I was breaking free from invisible shackles?

Prince Ruvyn saunters towards us, shoulders squared, and chin held high in arrogant superiority. His voice drips with faux sympathy as he mockingly comments, “Ah, the comfort of shared sorrows... how truly touching.” The sneer on his lips and glint in his eyes betray the cruel intentions behind his condescending words.

Theo’s embrace tightens around me protectively as the prince’s words hang heavy in the air. I raise my head, meeting the prince’s gaze with a steady look, refusing to show any weakness in front of him. His arrogance is a bitter reminder of the toxicity that once tainted my marriage.

Before I can respond, King Varitan steps forward, his expression stern as he addresses his son, “Ruvyn, your insensitivity is unwelcome here. Show respect for the difficult circumstances that have unfolded in this courtroom.” Theauthority in the king’s voice brooks no argument, and the prince’s facade of superiority wavers for a moment before he inclines his head in a begrudging nod.