Page 202 of Bride By Coronation

I wrap my arms around her, my heart beating harder, blinking hard.

She trembles.

I shout in her ear, "We're going to get through this. I will make them pay." I kiss her head.

She quivers harder.

Silence fills the air.

Ulrich and Jytte step in front of us.

"Take your place," Jytte orders.

Fiona grasps me tighter.

"It's okay. Take your spot," I reassure.

She takes a shaky breath, releases me, and takes her place on the X.

I reach over and grab her hand, squeezing it, then stroke my thumb over her knuckles to try and calm her.

"It has come to our attention that the queen did not memorize the Royal Doctrine," Ulrich announces.

A synchronized gasp sounds from the crowd.

Jytte cries out, "Let the Tainted Crown begin!"

Torches pound on the ground in a low thud, expanding the anxiety on Fiona's expression but also inside my chest.

I hold my fist high and declare, "I demand retribution for this charade!"

Hissing erupts again.

"You cannot demand retribution for the queen's lack of responsibility," Jytte warns.

"Her Royal Doctrine was altered, and you know it!" I accuse.

Another gasp, then the arena falls silent.

Ulrich's lips twist like earlier. He holds his arms wide and bellows, "What proof does the king have of such a criminal offense?"

"The queen's Royal Doctrine is on the royal yacht. I've gone through it and noted all the places information should have been entered but isn't," I announce.

The members' shock taints the air.

Ulrich asks, "Did you bring this proof?"

My insides flip. I retort, "You know I didn't."

An evil sort of glee floods his expression. "But yet I picked you up on the Royal Yacht, and you did not ask to bring it, did you?"

I stay silent, hating myself for not finding a way out of this trap before I left the yacht.

"His answer is no, he did not bring it. So let's begin," Ulrich orders.

Jytte steps in front of Fiona, stating, "You'll have three chances to correct a wrong answer. If you cannot, the punishment for you and your husband is death."

Fiona winces, her eyes glistening, and gives me anI'm sorrylook.

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