Snippet #1961899

James felt his stomach sink and his heart ache as he looked around at the grim faces before him. Each man met his gaze and each seemed sure of the vote they had just given. A part of him was unsurprised at the vote and, although he wanted to deny it, had expected it even. He kept his face calm and even with the tensing of the muscle in his jaw being the only sign that he was not truly calm and controlled. He had begun to settle into his new role as King and had even begun to like it. The obvious advantages aside he found he liked being able to make a difference and making decisions that he hoped would improve life for his people. Yet now he was discovering another side to his position, one he disliked intensely and he felt a pang of sympathy for his recently dead father understanding that it must have been this way for him too.

"Very well." He sighed. "The vote has been taken and the result, though not unanimous, is clear. All of you return to the throne room and await my arrival." Amongst the quiet murmuring of the men and the shuffling of his feet he beckoned to one of his ever present guards.

"Bring the prisoner to the throne room. Ensure all are in attendance before bringing her in." The guard bowed and hurried away.

James knuckled his face with a tired sigh wishing this was all already over but knew the worst was yet to come. The other guard approached at his signal and waited for his commands.

"Inform the steward that I wish all of the nobles and guests in the palace to be present in the throne room immediately. Remind the steward that this is a royal command and I will brook no excuses for any who try not to attend"
"Yes Sire." The guard too quickly left the room.

James then looked at the Luxor ambassador and inclined his head toward the man, he had remained silent as requested and behaved courteously during the proceedings even though they were foreign to him. James made a mental note to himself to have a gift of Avalonian wine to sent to the man's chambers as a gesture of appreciation. Even during dark times as these it was always a good idea to acknowledge appreciation for another's actions especially when that person was a foreign ambassador with unclear motives.

"Ambassador, I apologise for such a lengthy discussion but I am sure you understand that it was necessary. I go now to announce the verdict and I would ask you to accompany me. You will see first hand how we administer justice here in Avalon, and afterwards I will make some time to talk with you properly as we have not done so. Please follow me." James glanced only briefly at Christine. "You too Lady Huor."

James re entered the throne room and indicated to the ambassador that he should join the other ambassadors to the left of the throne at the bottom of its steps. Christine he instructed to stand with the other nobles as he would not have her at his side then, he could bear the thought of having her close whilst he sentenced her sister. Whilst he waited for everyone to arrive he thought on Christine and what he was going to do about her and her...situation. He did not love her that much he did know and if he was honest with himself he knew his lust for her was beginning to wane. He was not intentionally shallow but he struggled to be faithful to one woman for very long as he always found his interest being piqued by another. He knew he needed to marry at some point and have a legitimate heir but he could not imagine a woman out there who would keep his interest. He knew for certain that Christine would never be his wife but beyond that he did not know what to do with her.

He was interrupted from his reverie by more people entering the room and once he could that most of the Royal Court was in attendance, excluding those currently in the country, he nodded to the slim man stood near the huge entrance doors. The man held a gold topped cane and rapped it on the floor three times silencing the crowd. They all turned then to look at James who remained seated his gaze calm and steady.

"I have summoned you all here to bear witness to the results of the investigation and subsequent trial of Sir Rivera Talimir."

James nodded to the guards by the doors and in short order the prisoner was escorted into the room. The crowd silently parted allowing the guards and Rivera to make their slow procession towards the throne. The four guards surrounding Rivera kept the pace slow giving the nobles plenty of time to look on the woman in their midst. They stopped a few feet from the throne and bowed in unison before ensuring Rivera knelt before her King, they were not rough in any way and Rivera seemed not to resist and was soon kneeling before James. James felt his throat constrict and his mouth dry up as the moment he dreaded came upon him. He did not doubt though, he accepted the Privy Council's decision as one that could not be altered even by him.

"Rivera Talimir." He began and was relieved that his voice was strong and calm. "You have been brought here today because accusations made against you. Accusations that have been supported with evidence."

James was silent for a moment as he looked on Rivera, even now she was a beautiful vibrant young woman and he held that image wanting to memorise it and never forget it. He felt sadness for his brother then too and wondered if if would ever forgive what he was about to do here today. It was clear Rivera and his brother had feelings for each other and he hoped in time his younger brother would understand that he had no choice.

"For the crime of treason we find you guilty." He said ignoring the gasps and murmurs from the crowd. "You are hereby stripped of any lands and titles you possess and will remain in our custody until such time as your sentence will be carried out. The sentence for treason is ...death. You will be hung from the gallows until you are dead. May God have mercy on your soul."

"Remove her from my sight." James snapped to the guards and it was only once they had escorted her out, as slowly as they had approached, that James sagged slightly in his chair.

It was done.

He remained where he was allowing the nobles and dignitaries to mingle in the room and approach him if they needed to.