Alone in the Dark

Jaded Court

Wyn stood to the side, as much as she could be while situated at the front of the crowd. She was watching the group of Sellexun women stride into the room surrounding Emeltra. In the large and ornate audience chamber, the men visibly shifted backwards as if to escape whatever powers the woman may have.

The women walked with a strength and dignity that was echoed by the Ladies who formed the outer part of the crowd. Wyn saw an awakened understanding of their own strengths growing in the faces of the women around the room. They were watching the woman who frightened most of the men in their country, realizing that in an odd reversal of roles for Sellexu, the women were now the protectors of the men.

Wyn shivered at the thought of the possible consequences of this day, knowing that this trial would have possibly change the society that had been so long standing. From tested warriors to chauvinist courtiers, a woman caused the men to step back in fear and the women to step forward to protect them. Wyn felt a thrill of watching history in the making, and saw the same understanding growing on the faces of her friends who stood nearby.

The only man who had stood his ground to the approach was the King on his dais. Caelur sat calmly on his throne, facing the prisoner as she stopped and stood defiantly in front of him. His throne was raised, allowing him to look over the female guards and watch her without much trouble or danger to himself.

The Queen Mother stood beside Lyana at the foot of the Dias of the throne, as if forming another line of protection for her son. Lady Wyn stood to her left, wearing clothing that was clearly Aupanan, with breaches and a shirt versus the dresses that the rest of the women wore. Wyn didn't have Nerini's distaste of dresses, but she wasn't about to be caught in one today. And the looks from the Ladies of Sellexu had changed from a haughty derision to something close to envy.

"Lady Emeltra C'Ar of Cavatine, you stand accused of attempted murder through poison of High Lord Shiar, while under a diplomatic mission and welcomed with friendship to this court." King Caelur pronounced, motioning to the women in front of him. "Lady Lyana D'Ilnza and the Regent Mother, have been elected to your trial."

"You will either find me not guilty, release me and allow me to continue my relationship with High Lord Shiar or he will die. I have nothing further to say on the matter" The woman stated simply, shrugging as if her life was not on the line. "I alone hold the secret of what grips him, and I alone can keep it at bay. If I die, he dies."

"You admit guilt. And refuse any effort to help mitigate the damage you have done?" Victoria stated blandly. The Queen mother moved towards the woman, and everything about her, from her expression to the firm steps, was merciless. "You intend to bargain with the Court, the Regent of Sellexu?"

"The Court fears me." Emeltra smirked and motioned to the male courtiers and the King on his throne, before looking to the woman in front of her. "It has no choice."

"The facts of the charges are as follows. You administered a poison to High Lord Shiar, which his body has become addicted to and you used it to control his mind and influence him to your gains. Once caught, you have let him suffer as opposed to releasing him or helping him. I give you one more chance, cooperate. Save my brother and you will be shown mercy." Lyana said firmly, stepping up beside Victoria. Wyn recognized barely restrained anger in Lyana's expression, a far cry from the shy girl Wyn had met less than a year ago.

"I cooperate, when you restore him to his Lordship and freedom and allow both of us to leave the Courts." Emeltra said coolly, staring her down. "It's all or nothing."

"Enough." Caelur said from his throne, waving his hand in dismissal, though his anger was hidden in the coolness of his voice. "You are found guilty. Your countrymen have asked we given them leave to administer justice themselves. But Sellexu does not forgive treachery. You are sentenced to death."
Emeltra paused, her expression darkening in fear and anger for a brief moment, before she broke into a small smile. "I enact the Sellexu law that says I can fight a champion of the court, and if I win through combat, I can have my sentence suspended and will be exiled from the lands of Sellexu for my natural life."