Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 729

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Chapter 729: The Hearing - 2

Queen Maeve’s presence had set the stage for what was sure to be a contentious meeting, and everyone braced for the clash that was bound to unfold.

"For this case, my son Andre would precede it." King Oberon said and another round of murmuring rippled through the air.

King Oberon’s declaration that his son Andre would preside over Elena’s case sent a ripple of murmurs through the grand hall. Traditionally, this role should have fallen to Prince Valerie, the crown prince and Elena’s fiancé. The gathered ministers and high lords exchanged glances, puzzled by the deviation from the norm.

All eyes turned to Valerie, but his face remained an unreadable mask, betraying no hint of his thoughts or feelings. His posture was rigid, his gaze fixed forward, giving no indication of his inner turmoil. The expectation of an emotional reaction hung heavy in the air, but Valerie offered none, his stoic demeanor a barrier to the speculation swirling around him. freёwebnovel-com

King Oberon acknowledged Andre with a nod, and Andre stepped into the center of the hall, his expression solemn yet resolute. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for entrusting me with this responsibility," he said, his voice steady as he took his place before the assembly.

He began with a grave introduction. "We are convened here today under the shadow of a grievous loss," Andre said, his gaze sweeping over the gathered nobles. "Elena, a promising young fae, has been taken from us prematurely. It is alleged that the dark Fae prince, Aldric, is responsible for this heinous act."

Gasps and murmurs erupted anew at the mention of Aldric. Although many had suspected as much, hearing the accusation spoken aloud intensified the shock and anticipation. The dark Fae prince had always been a figure of controversy, but the charge of murder of a high Fae brought a new level of gravity to his reputation.

"Prince Aldric, High Lord of the Winter Court," Andre continued, his voice carrying the weight of the accusation, "stands accused of the murder of Lady Elena of the Raysin family. We have witnesses who claim to have seen the events leading to her death."

At Andre’s signal, the grand doors swung open, and four faeries entered the hall. Their presence immediately drew attention, each of them bearing the distinct physique of the Winter Court.

The witnesses, three male and a female, took their places at the front of the hall. Their expressions were a mixture of apprehension and determination, each aware that their words could shape the fate of the notorious powerful prince.

The hall fell silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone present. The ministers and high lords leaned forward, eager to hear the testimonies that would either condemn or exonerate Aldric. The tension was palpable, a collective breath held in anticipation of the revelations to come.

Andre turned to address the witnesses, his tone formal and commanding. "You have been called here to provide your accounts of the events surrounding Lady Elena’s death. Speak truthfully, and let justice guide us."