The Court [ELARA] As I enter the grand courtroom, the air is thick with the stench of wealth and arrogance. The room is adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of valor and conquest, and the polished marble floor reflects the golden light emanating from the crystal chandeliers above. They're the colour of Magnus' eyes. The ones that I hate now, more than anything in the world. Courtiers and advisors in their finest attire fill the space, engaged in hushed conversations and exchanging formal greetings. Ruelle's grip on my arm tightens. It's meant to reassure me but all it does is push me further in a state of restlessness. As I make my way through the crowd, I catch glimpses of familiar faces, people I met at my wedding. Some of them presented me with gifts while they complimented the hospitality of my pack. These were the same people that mocked me later at the banquet by the riverside. Their eyes betray their smiles, revealing their true feelings as they observe the mysterious outsider who has become the prince's wife. Magnus is in his royal black robe patterned with golden wolves worn over a deep sapphire tunic, standing beside what I assume is the King's throne room. "He's a stand in for uncle Eldric today, the king. He'll be presiding over the hearings," says Ruelle, her voice tinged with excitement. I can't deny that the way he stands commands attention. His piercing golden eyes sweep across the room, taking in every detail. He's playing his part, projecting an image of power and control, but I can see the trace of worry on his face, something he can't entirely conceal. Magnus always look alert and prepared as if he's surrounded by people who want to attack him. He seems to always have his guard on, or maybe that's just his face. Except when he's looking at Morgana. The proceedings begin as the herald announces the arrival of the queen mother. Queen Seraphina appears regal and composed, very unlike how she's during meal times. All eyes turn towards her until she finally settles on a chair closest to and just beneath the throne. Only then does Magnus sit on the throne, slowly and carefully. The court proceedings unfold with a mixture of formal rituals, legal disputes, and matters of governance. It's a world I've never been a part of, a society governed by rules and conventions that I'm still struggling to understand. I observe silently, absorbing the intricacies of the court dynamics, the subtle alliances, and the unspoken tensions. As the court comes to a recess, allowing the attendees to mingle and indulge in refreshments, I find myself standing alone near a grand archway that leads to a tranquil courtyard. My life with my pack was mostly spent in the wild, surrounded by tall trees or open ground covered with soft grass. The only time I spend indoors was during pack meetings or for sleeping. The soft breeze now carries the scent of blooming flowers, providing fleeting moments of respite from the suffocating formality of the court. Ruelle appears by my side again, her lively presence a welcome distraction. She places a delicate hand on my arm and grins mischievously. "Had enough of courtly frivolities, Elara?" I chuckle softly, grateful for her light-heartedness amidst the weighty atmosphere. "It's certainly a different experience. But I'm doing my best to navigate it." She nods in understanding. "I know it's overwhelming, but you'll get the hang of it eventually. At least my brother knows how to make it fun. But whenever uncle Eldric is around it's always so grim." I know she has a love-hate relationship with her brother. She insults him and can't stop talking about how she'll kick him if he hurts me but at the same time, she can't stop complimenting him for his good deeds. My eyes are drawn back to the throne when I see Morgana walk up the few stairs to reach Magnus' side. She whispers something in his ears, in response to which his eyes widen. But when she tries to move away, he holds her hand and doesn't let 1/3 her move. A look crosses between them and I can bet my life that everyone who's into gossip notices it. Then Morgana nods before she settles beside him, standing with a proud smirk. "Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Ruelle whispers to her, her widened eyes taking in what just happened. I scoff. "I'm seeing more than just that." I see the mocking stares of the woman that stand in the crowd. Ruelle can't keep the pity out of her voice when she informs me, "He's never done this before. He's never had a woman, I mean not in front of the whole court. But ever since she arrived here just before the wedding..." "It's alright," I say, brushing it off and pretending that I'm not affected by my husband open insult. Ruelle grits her teeth. "No, of course. It's not! I'd slit my husband's throat in my sleep if he ever did this to me!" I smile at that. "Don't give me ideas, Ruelle." She laughs but her face is composed soon enough. "Magnus, you idiot," she mumbles, shaking her head. When the proceedings continue, Morgana remains standing by his side. Nobody fails to observe the number of times she whispers into his ears, sharing her opinion on the matter being resolved. Celia's face scream disapproval but it does nothing to budge her stepson. He keeps his witch by his side. "The King won't like this. He won't like it at all. The prince is already out of his favor and now this behavior! It's pathetic!" a minister standing close to me complaints. Ruelle watches him with concern on her face. Finally, when everyone is done presenting their case, Magnus rises from the throne and begins saying, "Thank you for your presence-" "Wait," I interrupt him, stepping forward. "What happened, Elara?" Ruelle's alarmed voice reaches me but I've already paced farther from her. Now I stand in the centre of the court, demanding everyone's attention. Every eye is on me. Magnus' gaze threatens to burn me to ashes. But I'm challenging him to do what he can. "There's one more case left to hear, my prince," I say, my voice loud and clear. I keep my eyes focused on his face. I want him to see me. Even if he's looking at me with disgust and anger. "Beatrice, come forward." The maid approaches with unsure steps, her eyes glued to the floor all the time. I know her heart is pounding in her chest. She's afraid but I don't let that stop me. "For those who don't know me and most will not know me - I'm Elara Wildewood, a beta of the Lunar Crest pack. And yes, Prince Magnus' new wife. My husband may not have the time to introduce me or the resources to more of you in our wedding, so I'm doing my part and making myself known." I pause to put my arm around Beatrice, who flinches momentarily. But then she looks at me and I give her a small smile. Magnus watches me, a muscle ticking in his clenched jaw. Morgana appears amused by my action, her smirk widened. He takes his time before he replies, "Present your case." I curtsy now. "Prince," I regard him in the most disrespectful tone I can muster. "I demand justice for my maid, Beatrice, here. She has been robbed of her rights. She's been robbed of her final chance at grieving her sister." A rush of whisper runs through the crowd. Magnus gulps, a flicker of worry crossing his eyes. The anticipation in the room rises as I continue, "Few are aware of what went down when we were on our way back to the capital. But you know it very well, husband. A rogue attacked Kayla, another one of my maids. She was slain, but her body was never seen again. Beatrice is her sister and she claims her never got to see her again. I request you to serve justice here." "A rogue attack?" someone gasps in the crowd. "We weren't told about this!" Magnus' reply come down sharp at me, shutting every other voice in the courtroom. "I assure you, Elara, justice will be served. I'll make sure she gets to see her sister's body by the end of the day." 2/3 "Thank you, prince," Beatrice replies in a weak voice, tears gleaming in her eyes. I wrap my around her again, comforting her. "If that's all. The court is adjourned. Thank you for your presence, minister and other dignitaries," Magnus says, dismissing, everyone. And then he's walking towards me, his strides large and quick until he stops a few inches from my face. "Meet me in your chamber, right now," he says, his voice is low and calm but it still sends a shiver down my spine. With a shaky breath, I prepare myself for what's to come. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!