Chapter 49
The next morning, Althea was escorted to the South Palace, where political affairs, lawmaking, and meetings with regional Alphas were usually conducted.
She was led directly to the trial court hall.
Althea walked with her chin held high. Her heart pounded, but she refused to show fear. She had lived with hatred all her life. What was one more trial?
The vast chamber was already filled. Nobles, ministers, and visiting Alphas sat in their designated seats, their gazes sharp and filled with judgment. The heavy air practically reeked of hostility.
“Just kill the traitor’s daughter!” one noble shouted, spittle flying.
“She’s a witch p>
“She’ll destroy us like her father did p>
A few even hurled stones at her, but Ben and Rudy stepped forward, blocking them. The moment the crowd recognized them as the Alpha King’s most trusted elite warriors, no one dared try again.
They had Althea stand at the center of the grand hall, surrounded by the council and regional Alphas. Their glares were sharp, as if they could pierce through her skin. At the front was a vacant seat—surely the Alpha King’s. To the right sat the Queen Mother, her expression calm, though her thoughts dripped with malice.
‘Let’s see how you escape this mess. I don’t care who poisoned that servant. Watching you suffer because of it brings me joy p>
Althea’s chest tightened. She wanted the ground to swallow her whole, yet she forced herself to stand tall.
On the other side of the King’s empty seat sat an older man, stern-faced and dignified. She guessed he was the Law Councilor, Thanos Stone—Lady Ava’s father. His thoughts were even harsher.
‘How dare this woman enter the North Palace, let alone stay beside the Alpha King’s quarters that should belong to my daughter. Today, I’ll see her cast out before the King even arrives. Mate or not, once she’s condemned, not even he can save her p>
A lump formed in Althea’s throat. She swallowed hard, steadying herself against the weight of their hatred.
An official’s voice cut through the tension.
“Althea, daughter of Cain Grayson—the condemned traitor guilty of multiple crimes—stands accused of poisoning Elsa Smith, a servant of the North Palace p>
“Admit your crime now and save us from wasting time, will you?” the Law Councilor said coldly, his voice echoing through the hall.
Althea straightened her back, her eyes sweeping over the assembly. Her voice was calm, though her heart raced. “If I truly had done it, Councilor, why would I choose a servant who held no power over me? What would I gain from such an act? Surely even a child could see the flaw in that accusation p>
A low murmur spread through the chamber. Some scoffed at her words, others paused in thought.
The Law Councilor’s lips curled. “You speak cleverly, girl, but clever words do not erase guilt. Poison is a coward’s weapon. It fits you well p>
Althea tilted her head slightly, her expression steady. “Then prove it. Where is your evidence? Where are the witnesses who saw me do such a thing? You sit here, demanding I confess to something you cannot even prove p>
Her tone was sharp enough that even the Queen Mother’s brow twitched in annoyance.
The Law Councilor’s hand slammed against the table. “Enough! If it is proof you want, then let it be brought forth.” He gestured to the guards. “Bring Elsa Smith here at once p>
The official bowed quickly and left to fetch the servant. The hall fell into tense silence, eyes darting between the accused and the Law Councilor.
The heavy doors creaked open as two guards entered, guiding Elsa forward.
“State your name,” Thanos commanded.
“Elsa Smith,” she said softly, bowing her head.
“Tell this council who poisoned you,” he pressed, his voice sharp, expecting her to confirm Althea’s guilt.
Elsa hesitated, her fingers tightening around her dress. Her voice trembled, but she spoke clearly enough for all to hear.
“I… I don’t know who poisoned me p>
The council stirred with restless murmurs. The Law Councilor frowned deeply.
“Do not play games, girl. Speak the truth p>
Elsa lifted her chin, surprising everyone with the strength in her tone.
“One thing I know for certain… it was Lady Althea who saved me. When I was gasping for breath and choking on the poison, she was the one who rushed to my side. If not for her, I would not be standing here today p>
The hall erupted in shocked whispers. Even the Queen Mother’s smile faltered.
Althea stared at the Law Councilor, watching his expression twist with frustration.
“So, Councilor… tell me, is it the habit of poisoners to save their victims?” she asked, her words slicing through the tense silence.
“I only arrived last night, and from the moment I entered the North Palace, I was locked inside the Alpha King’s bedchamber. This morning, I was in the adjacent chamber with my friend Melva. Three of the Alpha King’s guards were stationed outside the door the entire time. They can testify I never once stepped out, not until the Alpha King himself left at midday p>
She let her words sink in, her gaze sweeping across the hall before fixing again on the council. “In the late afternoon, when I finally went outside, I was still under the constant watch of Rudy, Trudis, and Ben. I never left their sight. So, I ask you, Councilor—when exactly would I have had the chance to poison anyone p>
The hall fell into uneasy murmurs. Some of the council shifted uncomfortably, while others exchanged wary glances.
Althea stood tall, her presence steady, refusing to cower before their judgment.
Then a loud laugh echoed through the hall, followed by the slow clap of hands.
“Seriously… this is entertaining to watch!” a deep voice rang out. “Bullying the traitor’s daughter and wasting everyone’s time in a gathering like this, when it’s obvious she’s innocent p>
Gasps rippled across the chamber as all eyes turned toward the source.
The man stepped forward confidently, his grin mocking as his hands dropped back to his sides. “Yes, she’s Cain’s daughter. And yes, we all hate Cain—even I do. But isn’t it ridiculous that our mighty councilors can’t see the simplest logic in this so-called investigation p>
His words struck like a whip, and a hush fell over the council as their authority was openly challenged. This update ıs available on ͟.net
Althea’s heart skipped, stunned that someone would speak so boldly in her defense.