After what felt like forever, King Alistair re-entered the throne room. In an instant, the atmosphere grew heavy as everyone remained silent. Lord Wimbly took his seat back as the judge and called everyone to order.
"After looking through the evidence, hearing the accounts of the witnesses, and listening to the argunt from both sides, we have co to a conclusion. Princess Sierra is not guilty of the assassination attempt on King Alistair. She is free to go."
With that, he slamd the gavel down on the sound block twice as cheers erupted throughout the throne room. Sierra could hardly believe her ears. She was a free woman!
Ida, Myra, and Taita all rushed up to her to embrace and congratulate her. Though there were so who were unhappy with the verdict, most of the other spectators drowned them out.
Alistair and Sierra’s eyes t. He wanted to go to her. He wanted to embrace her in his arms and kiss her on the lips. But he knew their love had already caused enough trouble for a day.
He could wait a day more.
But before he took his leave, there was another announcent to be made.
With Lord Wimbly’s assistant, they quickly got the attention of everyone in attendance.
"The results of the concubine choosing were delayed because of this trial. Since it’s settled, the results will be announced tomorrow evening," he declared to all.
With that, he took one final look at Sierra before turning to leave with Queen Roxine following close behind.
Though Sierra was a little disappointed, she hid it well. What was more important now, was that she was free. She returned triumphantly with her friends to the Celestial Lodge.
It had been quite the ordeal for the last few days and what she wanted more than anything was a nice soak in a hot steaming bath and a good night’s sleep. Ida let her back to her room, which had been mostly untouched.
"Your father sent you so letters while you were away, Princess," Ida said as she handed them to her.
Sierra was also happy to see her greywing, Bunty, who was perched in her birdcage.
"Thank you for taking care of everything, Ida. What would I do without you?"
Ida blushed a little. She wasn’t used to receiving such high praise.
"It was the least I could do, Princess Sierra," she replied humbly.
Sierra quickly penned a letter to her father, so that he knew she was safe. Once she did, she sent Bunty off to deliver it. She quickly read through the letters her father had sent her before going to the bathroom for her bath.
As she soaked her body in the water, she let out a sigh. Though she was no longer in danger, Sierra had new things to worry about. According to the letters her father had sent, the situation in Cair was not getting any better.
It almost felt as if war could break out at any ti. News of King Frederick’s ailing health was concerning too. Should he pass on, Felicity would have to take the throne. As far as Sierra knew, Felicity knew nothing about running a kingdom.
"If she relied on Cedric..." that would only bring disaster.
Not to ntion, it would likely put her at risk too. Rembering what Cedric did to her felt like it had happened a lifeti ago. Sierra subrged herself deeper into the water.
"If only there were no more lies..." she muttered to herself.
Thoughts of Alistair surfaced in her mind. She wanted to see him again. She wanted to hug him tight and never let go.
"Perhaps I should seek an audience with him," she reasoned. If he could not co and see her, nothing stopped her from going to him.
After so ti, Sierra got out of the water and dried herself off. Her mood had improved significantly now that she was clean and fresh. But her intuition told her sothing was amiss in her bedroom.
True enough, when she exited the bathroom, she saw Ida with a worried expression.
"Princess Sierra, Princess Cassandra would like to see you," she explained.
Sierra furrowed her eyebrows, surprised by the invite. For a flicker of a mont, she had hoped it was Alistair who had asked to see her.
"Did she say what it was for?" Sierra asked.
Ida shook her head.
Seeing as there was no need for her to be on guard with Cassandra, seeing as she had helped her imnsely in getting free, she decided to go and see her. Ida was worried for her safety, thinking it could be a trap.
But Sierra did not mind.
She exited her room and went to look for Cassandra in hers.
As soon as she was at her door, Sierra was ushered in by Cassandra’s maid and sat down at a table with her.
"I would have assud you would never want us to et," Sierra mused as she took her seat.
"I contemplated that, but I decided to be a good samaritan."
"I don’t think I quite understand."
Cassandra glanced over to her as she poured them each a cup of tea.
"I’ve decided to impart so information I have to you, in hopes of changing your mind."
"Changing my mind?" Now she was even more confused than before, "Change my mind about what?"
"About staying in Drakin," Cassandra explained without even looking up.
Her eyes were transfixed on her teacup as she took a sip. t with Sierra’s silence and confusion, Cassandra sighed. She had hoped that she would be smart enough to pick up on the subtle clues. But perhaps it was simply too subtle.
"I already know what’s going to happen tomorrow. I know who’s going to be selected and who’s not," she explained without sugar-coating anything.
Cassandra looked over to Sierra as she continued, "Agnes will be chosen too."
Sierra looked over at her, wide-eyed.
"But-"
"Did you really think they would convict her?" She scoffed, "don’t be silly, Sierra."
Sierra looked down at her cup of tea. To be honest, she knew nothing much would co of it. Especially since Princess Agnes’ ho kingdom was a close ally to Drakin. Even if she actually killed soone, it was unlikely she would see any real punishnt.
"I also know for a fact, that despite the ministers’ best efforts to dissuade King Alistair from taking you to be his concubine, he would likely do so."
Sierra could not help but smile a little at that thought. She could already picture it all in her mind. Finally, they could be together, even if it ant other people would be involved too.
However, the smile quickly faded away as soon as it appeared. She knew that if Cassandra was freely giving this information, it must have sothing to do with what she was about to say next.
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