CHAPTER 51
Grace felt a sharp unease settle in her chest. The trial of the commanders had concluded.
She adjusted her posture, masking her tension as the trial for the members of the castle commenced. Amid the heavy silence, Parkston entered the hall.
Dressed in a fitted black tee and matching trousers, he strode in with a quiet confidence, his movements seamless, unnoticed by anyone except her, everyone was too engrossed in the trials to even register his presence.
Grace's lips twitched into a fleeting grin as she watched him make his way to the grand table, taking a seat without a word.
Then, the next name was called. "Lady Juliet," King Charlenugo's voice rang out. "Step forward."
Juliet hesitated.
A wave of panic coursed through her veins as she forced herself to move. She stepped out of the crowd, her breathing shallow, and took a seat on the chair, her fingers trembled as she gripped the handles.
Grace watched closely, trying to decipher what might be running through Juliet's mind. But she couldn't.
"Hold on tightly," King Charlenugo instructed, his voice was impassive and Juliet obeyed.
The test crown was placed on her head.
Immediately, her body jerked. Violent tremors overtook her body as the crown worked through her mind, pulling at the hidden thoughts buried deep within. King Charlenugo listened, the wire connected to his ear feeding him every thought, then, just as abruptly as it had begun, the trembling ceased.
Juliet's body slumped forward, unconscious.
The room held its breath.
"So?" Grace asked, her voice was carefully neutral.
King Charlenugo removed the wire from his ear and turned to face the crowd. "You all look tense," he spoke in a light tone. "Don't be."
His gaze flickered briefly to Grace, then to Nuel's lifeless body still sprawled on the floor, before returning to the crowd. "Your Queen isn't so bad after all."
A grin curled at the corner of his lips. "She's innocent."
The hall erupted in celebration. Cheers filled the air as the crowd hailed Juliet's name. Commanders rushed to carry her unconscious form back to her chambers.
Then, a voice cut through the noise. "Why does she sleep, King?"
King Charlenugo turned toward the speaker. "Each person reacts to the test differently," he explained, clearing his throat. "Our bodies vary. Give her a few minutes, and she will wake."
"If I may, King," another voice spoke from the executive council. "What if someone were able to control their mind? To suppress certain thoughts and prevent the truth from being revealed?"
King Charlenugo didn't so much as glance at the man. Instead, he ran a hand over the test crown, preparing it for the next trial.
"Yes, they may attempt to suppress their thoughts," he admitted. "But they cannot outsmart the crown, It hears even the hidden thoughts, vivid and precise."
The crowd murmured in agreement.
"Next," King Charlenugo commanded.
The hall became quiet.
"And who is that?" Queen Judith inquired.
The king didn't hesitate. "Jonah. Queen Jonah is next." He said.
A heavy stillness settled over the hall.
Queen Jonah remained seated, her hands tightening around the edge of the table, she wanted this to be over.
"Queen Jonah, step forward." King Charlenugo commanded.
Her breath hitched. Slowly, she rose, counting her steps as she walked to the center of the hall.
"Didn't you hear me the first time?" King Charlenugo's voice carried through the silence as he placed the test crown on her head.
"I heard you, King," Jonah replied in a whisper.
Charlenugo said nothing more. He simply connected the wire to his ear.
"Stop!" Queen Jonah's voice rang out, sharp. Her hands shot up as if to ward off an unseen force.
The king's brow furrowed in surprise. "And why should I stop?" he asked, tilting his head. "Are you unwell, Jonah?"
"I…I" Her voice faltered.
"Is there something we should know?" He asked.
Queen Jonah hesitated before shaking her head. "No, there isn't."
King Charlenugo studied her. "Then why object?"
Jonah replied. "Isn't it disrespectful to invade our minds?"
A low murmur passed through the crowd.
"There is no such thing as disrespect when it comes to matters of treason and truth," King Charlenugo responded coolly. "If you refuse, you will only confirm your guilt."
Jonah could feel the weight of countless eyes pressing down on her, then finally, with a slow exhale, she allowed the test crown to be placed on her head.
The hall watched in silent anticipation.
Her test lasted longer than the others.
Grace's fingers curled tightly against her palm as Jonah trembled, her body wracked with shudders. Then, after what felt long, her head fell forward.
King Charlenugo removed the wires and turned to the crowd. "Does anyone here know Jonah well enough to claim they understand her completely?"
There was confusion on the faces of the onlookers.
"That would be her husband," Queen Judith offered in a hushed tone. "Or perhaps her cousin."
Grace nodded in agreement.
King Charlenugo's gaze darkened. "Who is Grace? Parkston," he asked. "And why does Jonah mention that name in her every thought?"
Parkston stiffened, he hesitated before stepping forward, but he said nothing.
Grace felt a pang of anxiety rush through her, the test crown was too accurate. She locked eyes with Parkston, realizing that if he were tested next, he would have no choice but to tell the truth.
"She's her friend," She spoke hurriedly, cutting in before Parkston could answer. "Grace is Jonah's friend, Father, I know because she's mentioned her to me before."
King Charlenugo's gaze bore into her. "Did she mention hurting her?" he pressed.
Grace hesitated. "That I do not know."
The king didn't respond, instead, his attention shifted to Parkston.
"Parkston," he called. "Step forward."
Parkston obeyed, his expression was unreadable.
"And after him". King Charlenugo's gaze landed on Grace. "You're next."
Grace exhaled slowly, nodding.
Parkston approached the chair, moving with a calm precision.
King Charlenugo studied him for a moment. "Shall I proceed?"
Parkston gave a slow nod, and immediately the test crown was placed on his head.
Grace clenched her jaw as Queen Judith's grip tightened around her hand.
For a long moment, Parkston didn't move, he remained still unnaturally so. Then, suddenly, his body jerked. His head snapped back violently before slumping over.
The room erupted into hushed whispers, the way he had collapsed, it wasn't the same.
King Charlenugo stood frozen, for the very first time, he hesitated.
Grace took a step forward, her voice was firm.
"What's wrong, Father?" she asked. "Why did his head fall differently?"
King Charlenugo exhaled deeply. "He's guilty," he announced. His voice was steady, but there was a grimness to it.
The hall fell into chaos. A collective wail rose from the people, disbelief filled the room. No one, had expected this.
King Charlenugo's voice rang out once more, sealing Parkston's fate.
"He killed Nuel."