Through the Eyes of a Fae
Chapter 32

Malik stood in the audience chamber. A steward, and a cleric sat at a mobile desk to the right of his throne. A few of the nobility’s elite stood to the other side, waiting silently. No one dared speak. Stella was seated on the throne next to his, her crown shining in the morning light coming through the crystal glass windows. They were dressed formally, and both were grim. A knight entered the room and gave Malik a nod. He returned to his throne and sat, waiting for their guest to be announced. Beatrice indeed looked frightened, as the doors swung open, and the footman announced her arrival. Coming forward, she wore a tan gown, with gold embroidery and every jewel she owned. Her blonde hair, streaked with gray, was pulled back from her face into a coronet, a veil over it. She curtsied low in front of the Dias the thrones perched on and waited. Malik glanced at Stella, who gave him a small smile and a wink. They let Beatrice wait, drawing out the moment. It forced the older woman to continue to hold the curtsy, waiting for permission to stand. It was a petty game, but one ruler’s often played to show displeasure with a vassal. When she started to wobble slightly, Malik sighed and asked her to rise. Beatrice was white with concealed rage, hating to be made a mockery.

“Lady Beatrice, thank you so much for meeting here at such short notice.” Stella spoke first, as smooth as silk. Beatrice nodded in her direction.

“Of course, your majesty. It is always an honor to be called upon. What is it I may do for you this fine morning?” Beatrice was choosing her words wisely. Good. It is time she showed a little caution. Malik looked down his nose at her.

“It has come to our attention that there was a … disagreement between our sister, your nephew and yourself. After said disagreement, there are reports of some of the staff being mistreated within your quarters. Damage to the room was done. Our maidservants came to be healed as they had several bruises. They were quite shaken and could not explain to us what had happened. They were threatened if they chose to tell. As nobility, we know that it is against the law to abuse any servant under our care. It is our duty to protect and house them. If they come to harm or their honor questioned-it is the Liege’s sworn oath to come to their defense.” They watched Beatrice’s pinched face grow pale. Stella stepped in.

“Furthermore, rumors have reached our ears of treacherous talk. Words being spoken against our sister, and her honor. It was told that rumors began to circulate the night of her coronation that she was … intimately involved with our king. Also, a few other nobilities have come forth to report that they had heard that THEY were also guests in my sister’s chambers. As I am sure you are aware, whoever is responsible for such atrocious lies would be brought before the Nobles Council to answer for those lies.” Murmurs rose from the nobility seated on the sidelines, and Beatrice blanched.

“Your majesties. I swear on my honor and on my house that I would never lay a hand on a servant. Who would think me so cruel? To tell such lies?” Beatrice was scrambling.

“What of the words spoken about our sister, Lady Beatrice? Do you deny them?” Malik’s voice was deep and rang across the chamber. Beatrice visibly shrank and became pleading.

“The words were said in anger, your grace. I was simply trying to look out for my nephew. He is like a son to me, as I never had children of my own.”

“Your nephew was gracious when he only banned you from social activities within the castle walls, Beatrice. I am not. I have discussed this with Lord Benjamin, and he has agreed to house you at the Althan estates in the city. When the winter is over, I will assign you a personal guard to escort you to your lands in the west. You will never be welcome in court again. When we decided to accept Kora into our family, it was not made lightly. Every word you spoke against her, was spoken against us, and our house. Your words not only questioned Kora but questioned our decision. We are the law in this land, Lady Beatrice. You will obey- or you will hang. Such talk is treasonous and could cause disturbance in our newly acquired peace. It will not be tolerated. From anyone.” Malik was fierce in his delivery, and Beatrice shook. The nobility began to murmur, shocked at such a venomous punishment. Tears coming down her face, Beatrice gasped -

“You cannot be serious, banned from court, over her? This is an outrage! I will become the laughingstock of the season!” Beatrice shrilled and Malik winced at the octave. A few of the nobility covered their mouths in shock at the outburst.

“Lady Beatrice, it is much too late for that. You have done this to yourself. There are consequences for every action. Now you must face yours.” Stella spoke coolly, as if almost bored with Beatrice’s panicked pleads.

“A coach awaits you at the castle entrance. The few personal maidservants who came with you from Althan have been ordered to pack while you met with us. Your belongings will be delivered this afternoon. You are dismissed. The house in the city awaits you, but do not count on any visitors this season. After witnessing this meeting, I doubt anyone will risk the visit.” Malik stood and when Beatrice did not curtsy right away, Stella stood as well. Their presence overwhelmed her, and she sunk to her knees. Begging, she tried once more.

“Your majesties, please, you dishonor me. Let me have the chance to atone- I will speak with Princess Koraline myself, to express my utmost regret.”

“Kora has informed us that she has no interest in speaking to you ever again, Beatrice. There was a choice there, and you made it. You are dismissed.” The woman was practically dragged from the audience chamber, crying hysterically. Stella sighed, and the nobility was silent. Malik turned towards them, as they had risen when he did.

“Let this be a lesson learned here today. We rule here. Kora is one of us now. Insolence will not be tolerated. If anyone has objections, they may come here on the 3rd day of every month to discuss with us openly your concerns. We will handle this like adults, and not children throwing tantrums in the shadows.” The nobility bowed in unison. Let it be known that I will stand for all of those with honor. I would do the same for each of you, should the need arise. I only ask that the same courtesy be extended to my house.” All the nobility began to murmur their assurances, swearing that they agreed, and were grateful for his grace’s support should the need arise. Stella leaned into her brother to whisper as the nobles began to file out of the room, rushing to discuss what they had witnessed today.

“Welp, I’m ready to go play in the snow, how about you brother?” She grinned impishly and took her brother’s arm as they descended the Dias.