Once they entered the room, their gazes fell on the young maiden sitting on the couch. Her body showed off a darkened crimson dress that enhanced her thin figure greatly, causing that so desired hourglass shape to pop without much effort. Ophelia’s pale breasts fought the tightened corset before shifting downwards, slowly merging its shape into something plump as the teacup in her hands placed itself on top of the tableware.
“Glory upon the royal family who guides and provides, Ophelia Criswell, greets The Crown Prince.” Rapidly, and rather messily, she got up and bowed down, causing her long crow-colored hair to fall almost to her knees.
And there she stood for several minutes, feeling the hot gaze of the prince on the back of her scalp, head hang low enough to cause a strain on her neck, legs growing weaker by the exertion of effort. But, even though she was purposely being made to wait, her figure was still as graceful as ever, a peaceful, unbothered expression resting on her face. It was only when a slight tremble on her lower body began that a hint of guilt clouded the men’s heart.
The moment Aldrich closed the door, and the prince sat down, words of relief flew through the room. “You may rise.”
“Please forgive me for not going through the proper procedures to request an audience with you, Your Highness, but this situation is of utmost importance. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.” Not wanting to raise any flags with the man before her, Ophelia’s answers were polite and cautious, clearly fearful of speaking out of line or of revealing far more than she wished to. Seeing his signal, she sat again and settled her resolve. This man, as ruthless as he was, was the only one capable of aiding her, of saving her precious pawn from getting beheaded.
“So the Earl wishes to remove his accusation on Millicia Swan.” His hand threw the letter onto the low table, causing it to fly almost to the edge, threatening to flow down with the mildest of breezes.
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“Yes, Your Highness, she is innocent.”
Their eyes connected with each other, causing the prince to become surprised. She was uncomfortable, with a clear uneasiness lingering on her restless fingers who twirled in a rhythmic motion, yet she did not avert her gaze - for once, the girl wasn’t letting fear dictate her actions, even though it still hid itself deep down.
So annoying... Feeling rather defeated by such resolution, he leaned forward and grabbed the letter once again. His eyes then travelled through its contents, sinking in every single word into his soul.
Earl Hillgarden claimed the maid did indeed work on the estate, having been a recent hire and she was innocent since no one saw her plant the poison on the tea. Such accusation was created merely because of the peering pressure born from the high-tiered guests who sought consolation and answers after being put under such tumultuous distress. The maid had merely been used as a scapegoat during the party to satisfy all the people present.
“Do you take the royal law for a fool, My Lady?” Blake knew being with her made him experience things he’d never felt, go through conflictions he’d never imagine could come to be, so his wiser judgment was aware that this matter needed to be settled as soon as possible or his determination would, most likely, waver.
“I wouldn’t dare, Your Highness. If I did, I wouldn’t be here asking for your aid.” She clenched her fists into her dress, eyes running to the nearest diversion possible, completely aware her resolve couldn’t give in to his pressuring remarks.
The Crown Prince waved his hand, which was then holding a sheet of paper given by the aide, who quietly lingered by the door, observing the situation from afar. “The Court finds Millicia Swan guilty of the following transgressions: attempted murder of a noble lady and slander of the good name and honor of a Duke. This claim was supported by both Earl Hillgarden and Duke Criswell, alongside many other nobles who testified... so please tell me, My Lady, are you perhaps accusing the crown of negligence?”
“No, Your Highness.”
“Then Millicia Swan is indeed guilty of these crimes and the royal court made no mistake with its verdict.” With a rather cold smile, Blake placed the paper sheets on top of the table and got up, heading towards the door. “It seems we are done here.”