Chapter 11: The King's Judgment

Marcus's words echoed throughout the silent throne room.

"The Royal Archivist has been found dead... and before he died, he left behind one final message."

The Alpha King's expression darkened instantly.

"Where is he?"

"In the palace infirmary, Your Majesty. The healers tried everything, but the poison spread too quickly."

"Poison?"

"Yes."

Marcus glanced briefly toward Micaela before continuing.

"He remained alive just long enough to speak a few final words."

Without another second of hesitation, the King turned toward Micaela.

"Stay here."

"Your Majesty..."

"No one is to touch her until I return."

Marcus nodded firmly.

"Understood."

Within moments the King disappeared from the throne room, leaving Micaela standing alone beside Marcus. Her wrists remained bound with silver restraints, though Marcus noticed they were beginning to leave bruises.

"You're frightened," he observed.

"Wouldn't you be?"

Marcus couldn't argue with that.

"For what it's worth..."

She looked at him.

"I don't believe you stole the Moonstone either."

Micaela blinked in surprise.

"Then why am I still wearing these?"

Marcus sighed.

"Because evidence speaks louder than opinions."

"Even when it's false?"

"Especially then."

Meanwhile...

Inside the royal infirmary, silence hung heavily over the room.

The elderly archivist lay motionless beneath a white sheet.

His skin had already turned pale.

Several royal healers stood respectfully nearby.

"Tell me exactly what happened," the King ordered.

One healer stepped forward.

"He was discovered collapsed inside the western library about an hour ago. The poison had already entered his bloodstream."

"Did he say anything before he died?"

"Only once."

"His exact words."

"He said..."

The healer swallowed nervously.

"The human girl is innocent."

The King's jaw tightened.

"Anything else?"

"Yes."

"Speak."

"He whispered... beware the silver serpent."

Silence filled the room.

"Silver serpent..." the King repeated thoughtfully.

"Does it mean anything to Your Majesty?"

"Not yet."

Marcus entered moments later.

"The council is demanding immediate sentencing."

"Of course they are."

"Princess Anastasia is leading them."

The King wasn't surprised.

"Gather the council."

"You're returning to the throne room?"

"Yes."

"Without proof?"

"Sometimes instinct is stronger than proof."

An hour later...

The royal court had completely filled.

Word of the archivist's death had spread throughout the palace.

Micaela still stood at the center of the room while nobles whispered among themselves.

"A thief."

"A murderer too?"

"Humans can't be trusted."

"Execute her."

Each whispered accusation felt like another knife twisting inside her chest.

The massive throne room doors suddenly opened.

The Alpha King returned.

Instant silence followed.

"Your Majesty," Chamberlain Aldric greeted.

"Proceed," the King commanded.

The oldest council elder stepped forward.

"The evidence is overwhelming. The sacred Moonstone was recovered from the human servant's possession. According to royal law, punishment is death."

Several elders nodded.

"Agreed."

"The law must remain equal."

"Mercy weakens the throne."

Princess Anastasia finally stepped forward.

"No one questions Your Majesty's wisdom."

She bowed gracefully.

"But the people are watching. If sacred laws are ignored because of personal feelings... confidence in the crown will suffer."

The King stared at her.

"Personal feelings?"

"The palace has noticed your unusual concern for this servant."

The room became noticeably uncomfortable.

Even Marcus shifted uneasily.

"Be careful, Princess," Marcus warned.

"Am I wrong?"

No one answered.

The King slowly rose from his throne.

"Bring me the Moonstone."

One guard stepped forward carrying the sacred crystal inside a velvet-lined box.

The King carefully lifted it into his hands.

The Moonstone glowed softly beneath the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows.

"This stone has existed for over a thousand years," he began.

"It has witnessed every Alpha King's reign."

"It has also served one purpose beyond ceremony."

The council looked confused.

"Very few remember its oldest ability."

Marcus's eyes widened slightly.

"You can't mean..."

"Yes."

The King stepped down from the throne.

Walking directly toward Micaela.

"Stretch out your hands."

She obeyed nervously.

Still wearing the restraints.

The King gently placed the Moonstone between her bound palms.

Nothing happened.

Several elders exchanged satisfied smiles.

"There," one muttered.

"Proof enough."

Then...

The Moonstone suddenly burst into brilliant silver light.

Gasps echoed throughout the throne room.

The restraints around Micaela's wrists shattered instantly.

The glowing crystal floated several inches above her hands.

Silver energy swirled gently around her body before slowly fading.

Complete silence.

No one moved.

No one even breathed.

The oldest elder stumbled backward.

"Impossible..."

"The Moonstone rejects thieves," the King said calmly.

"It has never failed."

"If she had stolen it..."

He looked around the room.

"The stone would have remained dark."

Princess Anastasia's confident expression faltered for the first time.

"That's... impossible."

"Apparently not."

The King turned toward Micaela.

"You are innocent."

Tears filled her eyes.

"Thank you... Your Majesty."

He faced the stunned council once more.

"From this moment forward, Micaela Whitlock is cleared of every accusation."

"The real criminal remains inside this palace."

"Until they are found..."

His voice became dangerously cold.

"No one will leave the Royal Palace."

The council erupted into shocked murmurs.

"A lockdown?"

"The summit will be delayed!"

"The visiting Alphas won't agree!"

The King silenced everyone with one look.

"That wasn't a suggestion."

Moments later...

The palace bells rang loudly across the kingdom.

Every gate was sealed.

Every guard doubled.

No servant, noble, or royal guest could leave.

Hidden behind one of the enormous marble pillars, Princess Anastasia slowly clenched her fists.

"So..." she whispered.

"The Moonstone protected her."

Cedric stepped quietly beside her.

"What now, Your Highness?"

She watched the King helping Micaela stand.

The warmth in his eyes confirmed every fear she had tried to ignore.

"Now..."

Her emerald eyes turned ice cold.

"We stop relying on accidents."

"Next time..."

A dangerous smile crossed her lips.

"We'll make sure she never reaches the throne room alive."