**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
*By Sophia Reed*
*Chapter 190: Evil Comes In Many Forms*
[Evelyn’s POV]
The atmosphere in the courtroom was thick with tension, and it was clear that the King was far from satisfied.
Though he had refrained from uttering any sharp retorts or issuing definitive statements that would solidify the notion, his body language spoke volumes. As soon as the judge delivered the final verdict and brought the gavel down with a resounding thud, Gregory had risen from his chair and exited the room without a backward glance.
He had bypassed the usual pleasantries, neglecting to share his customary opinions or even acknowledge Alexander and me with a simple nod.
It was as if he had vanished into thin air, leaving behind a palpable sense of unease. I couldn’t help but question his motives, but honestly, I couldn’t fault him for wanting to escape the swarm of reporters that awaited just outside the courtroom doors.
Dealing with the press was a daunting prospect, and it was the second source of my anxiety.
Ever since I had been photographed wearing Alexander’s old mask while leaving the palace, every media outlet in the region had been clamoring for an official statement. Their eagerness had transformed into a relentless pursuit, and I was acutely aware that their patience was wearing thin.
In retrospect, I almost wished that a few reporters had been allowed into the courtroom during my testimony. It would have spared me the need to recount the harrowing tale once more. Nevertheless, Oliver had reassured me that he would assist in preparing me for any interviews I might agree to when the moment arrived.
As I stood there, Alexander wrapped his arm around my shoulders, guiding me toward the main entrance. The cacophony of voices from the reporters grew louder, and my heart raced as it leapt into my throat.
“Are you ready for this?” he asked, his voice steady yet laced with concern.
“Not really,” I replied, attempting to keep my tone light despite the knot in my stomach. “But avoiding them indefinitely isn’t an option.”
He flashed me a warm, supportive smile. “Just remember, only share what you’re comfortable with.”
The doors swung open, and we were immediately engulfed by a throng of people, cameras flashing like lightning all around us.
“Mrs. Kingston!”
“Mrs. Kingston, over here!”
“We just heard the final verdicts; how do you feel?”
The incessant flashes made my eyes sting, and microphones were thrust toward me from all angles.
“Honestly? I feel relieved,” I managed to say, trying to sound composed. “Both Fiona and Isabella have posed a threat to my family and the public for far too long. It’s just taken us an eternity to gather the evidence we needed to prove it.”
“Do you believe they should have faced harsher penalties given the severity of their crimes?” one reporter pressed.
“It’s not my place to determine what punishment Fiona or Isabella deserve,” I replied, feeling a surge of defiance. “My only concern was ensuring they can’t inflict any more harm.”
I silently thanked the heavens for Alexander’s firm grip on the small of my back; without it, I might have been swept away by the crowd or succumbed to the dizziness threatening to overtake me.
Now that the court case had concluded, the emotional turmoil I had been holding at bay for weeks began to dissipate, leaving me feeling utterly exhausted.
The reporters’ attention swiftly shifted to Alexander, who appeared more than willing to field a question or two.
“Mr. Kingston! What are your thoughts on today’s proceedings?” one journalist shouted, eager for his insight.
Standing tall and confident, Alexander addressed the gathered crowd.



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