Snippet #1937085

James listened as Emmanuel gave his opinion on Rivera's innocence, he was not offended by Emmanuel's manner of speech as he had grown used to his friends bluntness, Emmanuel made some very strong points and James was inclined to agree with him. Yet as much as James wanted to he could not simply make a decision based on his own opinion no matter if he was King. It was because he was King that he had to be seen to be following the law precisely otherwise those around him would suspect he thought himself above the law and many a monarch in the past had fallen foul of believing they answered to no one. Even a King, especially a King was answerable to those who served him and James's father had ensured that James learned that particular lesson early.
He continued to sip his drink thinking on what his friend had to say and it was only when the rest of the council began filing back into the room did he realise how much time had passed.

A few moments later those he had sent to inspect Rivera's rooms also returned carrying several bundles which they carefully placed on the table before resuming their seats. James glanced at the guard who had returned with them and the guard approached him immediately.
"Sire?"
"Have you found the man who delivered this letter to Lady Huor?"
"No Sire, I can assure we will do so but it may take some time."
"Very well." James said. "Continue the search."
The guard bowed and left the room and James turned his attention back to the table where everyone had quieted and were waiting on him to re initiate proceedings.

"Gentleman let us continue." James said. "You have completed the inspection on the accused quarters?"
One man, Lord Ellwood whose estates were one of the largest in Avalon, rose and cleared his throat. "We have your Majesty."
James regarded him levelly and noticed with approval that the man's gaze was steady and his voice calm, James believed him when he said they had done so and he also believed they would have been thorough. Lord Ellwood was an older man in his fifties who had a reputation as being methodical and thorough which was exactly what James needed right then.
"What have you discovered?"
Lord Ellwood nodded and two other lords rose and began unwrapping the bundles they had laid on the tables, once all had been carefully unwrapped and all could see their contents they re seated themselves. James looked at their contents and sighed in resignation, there was enough evidence on the table to surely show Rivera's guilt even without the delivery man, he clenched one fist under the table but showed no other reaction to the items in front of him.
"As you can see your majesty we found a great deal of weaponry just as Lady Huor advised and it is in our opinion that such an amount is more than one person can justify in keeping in their quarters. It is also our opinion that these items, and the items documenting both Sir Talimir's parentage and correspondence with Duke Hoar, is enough to show the accused's guilt."

James nodded having expected him to say something like that, he looked at the other men in the room and many of them nodded in agreement. Though many also shook their heads. If he guessed right it was only just over half who believed her guilty with the rest clearly believing her innocent. James sat silently for a moment thinking hard.
"Very well, thank you Lord Ellwood." Lord Ellwood bowed and resumed his seat." If there is no further physical evidence to be presented then I suggest we interview the accused. Guard escort Sir Talimir to me immediately."
"At once sire." The guard nodded at his companion and the two left to carry out his orders.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Katherine found herself grinning back at her brother, his genuine happiness in seeing her made her feel light at heart, she allowed him to hug her even though she thought a few ribs might crack. She was pleased to see he was looking well if a little tired but otherwise the same as he always looked.

"As oppose to you who look like something the cat dragged in and smell like it too!" She retorted with an impish grin. "But yes my journey was fine and more than a little interesting. Our cousin makes for insightful conversation."

She seated herself opposite her brother and accepted the cup of tea gratefully, she breathed in its scent appreciatively and took a moment to savour its taste. She had missed little things like her apple tea and other things she could not get in Avalon.
"I believe our cousin genuinely hopes to bring us closer together during her time here. Either that or she is a very clever little actress. But if that is what she believes then it means they have no idea what is really going on."

She sipped some more of tea before continuing, she told her brother in brief about the ball and its guests including the ambassador from Luxor. She advised her brother that she put to rest a few plots that would interfere with their own plans and carefully encouraged others that equally draw attention to what they were doing. She gave her opinion on the King and how she believed he could be easily swayed and what the nobles thought of him.

"All in all it was a successful trip if dreadfully dull. Honestly Henry, the guests were so transparent it was really no challenge at all."

Katherine felt again that familiar pang of loneliness she was feeling more often these days, it wasn't that she was not pleased to see her brother again, but more that she was beginning to think she would be alone the rest of her life. Sister to a Duke, reliant on his charity with no husband to call her own. It was not that she needed a husband and she resented the idea of any man attempting to control her yet...she often found herself wishing for the companionship being married brought with it. She frowned in irritation, annoyed at herself for becoming so maudlin and determinedly pushed such thoughts aside.