Hearing Suzy’s explanation, Evangeline finally understood her intent.
"I get it. But I'll need to discuss it with the council first. It’s not a decision I can make alone."
The news of Serena's potential release quickly sparked outrage among the royal council.
Many ministers had already been dissatisfied with Evangeline’s leniency when she imprisoned Serena instead of having her executed.
According to Xandrian law, Serena’s crimes warranted a public execution.
Locking her away had already been viewed as a mercy that bent the rules.
Now, considering her release was pushing them past their limit.
"This woman committed a capital crime," one councilor said sternly.
"She should’ve been executed long ago. Now, after only a few months in prison, you want to let her go? What will the public think?"
"They’ll see it as favoritism," another added.
"A queen bending the law for her sister while the rest of the country lives under strict justice. People will cry injustice, and that unrest could spread."
"Exactly," a third minister chimed in.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider. If you release her, it will cause public outrage. The trust we've worked so hard to build will be shattered."
Listening to their concerns, Evangeline hesitated. "Her mental state is deteriorating. She’s no longer a threat. I believe the time served has fulfilled its purpose."
"Can you guarantee she isn’t faking it?" one councilor countered.
"She deceived us all before, pretending to be kind and selfless. What’s to stop her from faking insanity now?"
The council remained resolute.
No matter what Evangeline said, their decision was unanimous: Serena should remain imprisoned.
Evangeline was stuck.
She might be queen, but ruling a nation wasn't a one-woman job.
Ignoring her council’s advice would set a dangerous precedent.
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