Alpha Nocurne's Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 90 Court Day

“She’s lying! I was taken by ambulance and admitted to the hospital immediately after the incident!” Ada yelled suddenly, banging her hands furiously on the railing that surrounded the platform where she sat.

Ann said nothing and stared confidently ahead at her father’s face, her expression neutral but her eyes burned with a determination that wasn’t lost on him.

“You will be silent until your testimony is called for Princess Ada. These are serious proceedings with dire consequences for the accused if found guilty. You will respect the order of things here, do you understand?” An irritated male voice came from above.

One thing was for sure, the reputation of the Royal Court’s Elder Council certainly seemed to be true.

It made sense in a way, as the Royal Court undoubtedly had to have seen its fair share of power plays and false accusations over the centuries that they had presided over justice across the kingdom.

The Elders that sat in the Courtroom were the oldest, and most experienced across the Kingdom, many having surpassed their third century and it was rumored that the eldest among them had exceeded 500 years old recently.

They were all handpicked for excellence by their predecessors and specific qualities that they had conducted themselves with throughout their careers. Honesty, Integrity, Fairness, and a strong sense of impartial Justice.

The knowledge that this was turning out to be far more impartially judged than she had originally feared brought her peace of mind and the seeming lack of tolerance for outbursts outside of the appropriate times went a long way to calm Ann’s nerves.

was dying to say more, but she clenched her jaw and

events leading to the alleged a*s*sault, as well as hear testimony

to her podium, Leopold’s eyes seemed to glaze over as he

she had never noticed it before. It was as if he was transfixed, utterly spellbound by her very being and simply unable to tear his eyes away from her. It wasn’t the look of doting love or wistful

to ponder the implications of that though as Narcissa began her testimony, but Ann was sure that it only

at least honest, about having not been there when the attack occurred, and only hearing the commotion from the outside of

but she didn’t answer and I was positively frantic with worry. It was obvious that something terrible was happening inside of her office., but I never dreamed…” she trailed off, as she

done with her little performance of shock and disbelief, she lifted her head and imitated perfectly the charade of trying to pull herself together as she

own step-daughter would be so vicious as to attempt to take the life of her sister’s unborn child, purely

any jealousy apparent in

aware of the… erm… mistakes that were made…” Leopold interrupted with a dismissive wave of his hand. “There’s

chuckle rose from multiple members within the courtroom and

as it establishes the facts of a case as well as any aggravating or mitigating factors as well as heavily dictating the charges brought and in some ways, the outcome. What is a trial if not a close examination of past occurrences?” A wavering voice rose

it is necessary.” He ground out imperiously as Narcissa and Ada glanced toward him

are tasked with holding all subjects of this kingdom accountable for their actions…

the back of Ann’s neck stand on end. She could feel the ancient strength and barely suppressed power in this speaker’s aura,