Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 599

Chapter 599 The Verdict Falls

Because of that, it wasn’t enough for the King to review the Baker brothers‘ examination Josh’s work had to be presented as well.

papers.

Quin gathered the original scripts along with their official copies, then turned toward Elowen with a respectful bow. “Your Grace, the essay you mentioned, may I present it to His Majesty along with the others?”

Elowen gave a slight nod and handed over the pages.

Quin received them carefully and arranged everything in order across the long council table before the throne. “Your Majesty, everything is prepared.”

Theodric’s gaze settled on the documents.

He picked up Albert’s original script, then the copied version, comparing them side by side.

A faint crease formed between his brows.

Next came Liam’s.

Again, original against copy.

The crease deepened.

Finally, he lifted Josh’s original script, then the pages Elowen had submitted, placing them side by side.

This time, his expression hardened completely.

The great hall fell silent.

Not a whisper, not a shuffle of boots. The air itself seemed to tighten.

Alaric felt his pulse hammering in his ears, his chest tight, his thoughts scattering

“Remarkable.”

At last, the King spoke.

His voice was quiet, but it carried through the chamber like a struck bell.

Colton closed his eyes. There was no hiding this now.

Alaric had tried to glance up, hoping to read his father’s face, but the single word made his

Chapter 599 The Verdict Falls

stomach drop. He quickly lowered himself, not daring to look again.

Theodric’s voice turned cold, edged with fury. “How many times have I said it. The royal examinations are the backbone of this kingdom. They decide who governs, who serves, who carries the future of the realm. And yet you dared to tamper with them right under

His gaze swept the hall.

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice. Or that I wouldn’t care.”

His voice sharpened.

my roof.”

“My own Crown Prince. The man meant to inherit this throne. Leading a scheme like this and deceiving the Crown itself.”

Alaric’s whole body shook.

Quin spoke carefully, “Your Majesty, shall we summon Lord Travis for questioning?”

The King let out a short, humorless breath. “The proof is in front of us. There’s no need.” His tone turned decisive.

“As an examiner, he twisted the law for personal gain and misled the Crown. Strip him of his post immediately. Hand him over to the Ministry of Crown Justice. Interrogate him, and follow every lead. I want every accomplice uncovered.”

Quin lowered his head. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

The King’s gaze shifted.

It landed on Harvey, Minister of Rites. Harvey felt it instantly. A cold sweat broke across his back.

“Harvey.”

He moved forward quickly, lowering himself with a deep bow, voice unsteady. “Your Majesty.” The King looked down at him. “You’ve handled your duties well enough in the past. That’s why I entrusted the examinations to you. But this time, tell me. Were you blind, or did you choose to look the other way.”

Harvey’s chest tightened.

When the Duke of Duskmoor had overseen things before, everything ran smoothly.

This year, with the Crown Prince interfering, pushing decisions without understanding the

Chapter 599 The Verdict Falls

system, nothing had been stable.

But those were thoughts a man in his position could never say out loud.

He lowered his head further. “I failed in my duty. I accept my fault. I ask for Your Majesty’s mercy.”

The King’s voice slowed, deliberate. “Since you were not directly involved, I will give you a chance to correct this.”

“You will personally oversee the investigation. The results of the examinations will be reissued. Every person involved will be dealt with. Anyone connected, no matter their rank or backing. will be removed and barred from office for life.”

A pause.

“Do this well, and I will overlook your failure. Fail, or protect anyone, and you can take his place in a prison cell.”

Harvey exhaled in relief. “I understand. I will see it through.”

Then the King turned his attention to Colton. A man who had served three reigns. The Queen’s father. Roots deep in the court.

Not someone who could be brought down openly. Not today. But he could still be warned.

“As for Alaric.”

The King’s eyes fell on his son.

Disappointment, cold and heavy.

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