The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 202

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 202: The Final Trial**

Inquisition.

That was the word on everyone’s lips, the pulse of the public thrumming with a mix of anticipation and dread. The region still reeled from the shocking announcement that Alexander had declared war against the Royal Family. Unlike the previous trials held within the austere walls of the justice building, Alexander had chosen to conduct this trial within the very heart of the palace itself, an audacious move that spoke volumes.

The doors were flung wide open, allowing anyone who wished to enter and witness history unfold.

Alexander and Evelyn were adamant about this decision.

“Total transparency,” she had insisted, her voice firm yet soothing. “The people need to see you as a new kind of monarch, one who embodies openness and honesty. They must feel they can trust you.”

Oliver, always the pragmatic voice, chimed in, “While your actions may have been drastic, they must understand that it was all for the public’s good.”

Alexander rolled his eyes, a mix of frustration and humor bubbling beneath the surface. “More like I stormed the palace to rescue my wife and was ready to take down the bastard who dared to threaten her,” he muttered under his breath, the weight of his emotions evident.

Evelyn shot him a disapproving look, her brow furrowing. “Alexander, please. We have to find a way to present you in the best possible light. No matter how you slice it, you’re the one who led the rebellion and took the throne.”

“She’s right, sir. What we need is the people’s understanding and trust,” Oliver reiterated, his gaze steady and unwavering.

It wasn’t that Alexander was indifferent to public opinion; rather, his focus was laser-sharp on dismantling the web of illegal trades and corrupt dealings that Gregory had spun around the region. The stench of corruption had become unbearable, and he was determined to cleanse it. Yet, he couldn’t ignore the wisdom in Evelyn and Oliver’s words.

Without the backing of the people, chaos would reign, and the last thing he wanted was to plunge the region into anarchy.

“Fine, fine,” he relented, a hint of exasperation in his tone. “You’re right. I need to show them I’m not just another treacherous king with a thirst for power.”

Today marked a pivotal moment when the truth behind the shadows of their government would finally be brought to light, a revelation that would shake the very foundations of their society.

The palace was a cacophony of voices, a sea of eager faces pressed together, each spectator jostling for a better view. If there was even the slightest inch of space, it was quickly filled by another curious onlooker. Traditionally, such hearings were presided over by the King himself. However, this time, Alexander had summoned a judge to oversee the case, a move that signified a shift in power dynamics.

In this historic moment, the judge, an elderly man with a gravitas that commanded respect, took his place upon the throne. Alexander stood before him, a stark contrast to the opulence surrounding them, his heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and determination. Just a mere ten feet away, Gregory sat, stripped of his royal garb and dressed like any other citizen, a deliberate choice that underscored his fall from grace.

“I must admit, Alexander, your actions have taken me by surprise,” the judge began, his voice steady yet curious.

Alexander nodded curtly, his jaw set. “Your Honor, I am prepared to take full responsibility for my actions. Yes, they were impulsive, but they were not without justification.”

The room fell silent, every ear tuned in to the unfolding drama.

“For far too long, the Royal Family has ruled over this land with an iron fist, crafting laws that bind the citizens while conveniently exempting themselves. Your so-called King is nothing more than a puppet master in the underground trade that has plagued our region,” he declared, his voice rising with conviction.

Gasps rippled through the crowd, a wave of disbelief and anger washing over them.

Oliver stepped forward, his demeanor resolute, and handed a hefty file of evidence to the judge. “Weapons, drugs, jewelry, and luxury items—all of it has been trafficked illegally to and from our region. Gregory has imposed exorbitant taxes on basic necessities, pocketing the profits for himself.”

Caroline pressed on, her voice unwavering. “Gregory and I devised a plan to eliminate Alexander so that my son, Michael, could take the throne.”

“I see,” the judge remarked, his brow furrowing in thought. “And what of your recent activities? Alexander’s soldiers found you in one of the holding cells after the takeover. What were you doing there?”

Caroline shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting around the room.

“When chaos erupted, the King summoned me for counsel. I was reluctant to go, but I knew he would send guards after me if I didn’t. He viewed me as a traitor for speaking with Alexander.”

Her eyes met Evelyn’s among the crowd, a fleeting moment of connection.

“In a desperate attempt to secure my own freedom, I assisted the King in plotting against Alexander. He enlisted a veteran who once served the Royal Family to carry out the kidnapping of Evelyn,” she revealed, her voice steady but laced with regret.

The crowd was captivated, their eyes flickering between Caroline and Gregory, their previous King, who now bore the weight of their disdain.

“I admit to confronting Gregory about his abuse of power,” Alexander stated firmly, his voice ringing clear. “I offered him a choice: abandon the throne and denounce his claim as King, or I would expose him for the crimes he and his family have committed for decades.”

Turning to the sea of faces before him, Alexander continued, “I acknowledge that my actions were severe and may have caused trauma to many. My takeover was never about seizing a title; it was about ending the tyranny of Gregory’s reign.”

The atmosphere in the room was charged with tension, uncertainty hanging thick in the air. How could there not be skepticism? Each person in attendance had a right to their doubts, a right to question the motives behind the unfolding events.

“May I say something?” Alexander’s voice rang out, cutting through the heavy silence, as he prepared to confront the tumultuous tide of emotions that surrounded him.