Queen Vivian’s head whipped towards him, before looking to Commander Vale for confirmation.
“It’s true. Captain Alexandria has been leading Varon’s Recovery Battalions in the effort to stifle the rising attacks.”
Vivian stared at Alex for several heated moments. Alex could almost hear the scheming thoughts racing through her mind.
“Well then, Captain Wright, my darling, you will be taking her place in the dungeons.”
Having had enough, Alex stepped forward. “You have no right to have them thrown into the dungeons without sufficient proof.”
“Oh, but I do, my dear Alexandria, as there is enough suspicion to warrant further investigation. Am I not correct, Commander Vale?”
Reluctantly, his head fell in affirmation, his voice tight as he spoke.
“Article 19 states:.”
“If a breach in the peace treaty is suspected, the accusing queen can invoke the Right of Tribunal. If the Right of Tribunal is invoked, a vote of the Council of Queens must be called to determine if said Tribunalis supported by the action or inaction of the accused.
Each queen’s vote shall be weighed equally; however, if a Tribunal is called, the control of the accused queen’s province will immediately fall under the rule of the nearest province’s queen, and the accused will be detained until the ruling of the Tribunal is decided.”
The room erupted in frenzied murmurs, everyone reeling from the quickly unfolding events. Alex couldn’t let this happen.
“Andrew didn’t have…” Alex started but trailed off when she saw Andrew shake his head. She knew what he was trying to say but it didn’t sit well with her. How was she supposed to just stand there and allow this to happen?
“This has gone on long enough. I call a vote of the Queen’s Council. Who here agrees that Queen Sophiana, King Consort Evanar, and Captain Andrew Wright should face the Tribunal?” Vivian arched a manicured eyebrow in question.
The other queen’s silence stretched on, none wanting to be the first to speak against Queen Vivian or condemn Queen Sophiana. Finally, Queen Galen spoke, her voice steady.
“I vote against the Tribunal. There is not sufficient evidence against them.”
Vivian’s expression darkened. “And the rest of you?”
Queen Anika spoke next, her voice quiet and her face betraying her uncertainty.
“I cast my vote with you, Queen Vivian. The coincidence is far too great. I am sorry.”
One by one, the other queens agreed with Vivian. QueenGalen’s anger was so evident that Alex thought she would strike Vivian for sure.
Alex’s attention fell on Commander Vale, who was shifting through the stack of papers in front of him. His voice trembled as he spoke, “If all votes are in and weigh in favor of the accuser, then Queen Sophiana will have to be detained until a Tribunal is held.”
“It is settled then. I will step in as Queen of Varon as per Article Seventeen, and Sophiana, Evanar, and Captain Wright will be held in the dungeons until the Tribunal.” Vivian called.
Alex wouldn’t stand for this. The dungeons were no place for a queen. “Why must it be the dungeons? Why can they not be detained in their quarters?”
Vivian turned her icy glare on Alex. “It is protocol, Captain. It is best that you learn your place, or you very well may be joining them.”
Alex returned her stare, refusing to back down. “There is no protocol. Article nineteen simply states that they be detained.”
Sophiana stepped forward, “It is alright, Alexandria. I am not worried in the least. Nothing will come of this, and we will be out in due time.”
Alex wanted to argue. She wanted to stop this from happening, but she knew that there was nothing she could do without landing herself in the dungeons right next to them.
“Enough with the delay! Guards! Seize them!” Vivian ordered, her voice resounding through the room.
No one moved at first, in shock at what had just occurred.
“Now!” Vivian bellowed, her control faltering.
Vivian’s guards sprang forward, roughly grabbing Sophiana and yanking her backwards. Evanar and Andrew surged forward, trying to prevent her from crashing to the floor, as she tripped over her chair. Guards swarmed them,clamping shackles on their wrists. Alex looked on in horror as they were led from the room. How had this happened? How had Vivian managed to put herself in charge so seamlessly? This was exactly what Rivka had feared.
