Page 70 of Muse

Adelheid Collis, a beautiful Lady in her late 40s who successfully returned to musing after having children

Vorden Calix, an esteemed, elderly Lord and revered enchanter, and he was also Briar's and Wrenley's great-uncle

Basil Floreo, a prominent Duke with good connections, and he was also one of Briar’s fathers

Eliette Coteau, an elegant Duchess in middle-age and a close friend to the Queen

Fannie Danotta, a warlock in her mid-30s who, was the most influential female Warlock in Calida

Herve Chaunter, the cruel Warlock to the Queen, was a man in his mid-60s and likely hated me

Cosetta, the Crown Princess and eldest daughter to the Queen, and she was also a witness to Soren’s behavior

Kriselle, the Queen who also served as the magistrate and final say in all things relating to the Magik Tribunal

Everyone on the tribunal wore simple black clothing, with Cosetta wearing the exact same dress and tiara as her younger sisters seated in the gallery. The Queen's dress was similar, except it had long sleeves and a more voluminous skirt. On her head, Kriselle wore a unique halo crown with silvery protrusions poking out from around her head like sun rays.

Once everyone was seated, Kriselle sat with her hands on the arms of the throne. Staring straight ahead, she announced, “Bring in the accused.”

The entrance opened again, and everyone in the gallery turned to watch Soren stride into the court with his head held high. He looked handsome and unflappable, and I wish I was half as brave and bold as him. My mouth was dry, my heart was racing, and my stomach was twisting.

His sister followed behind since she'd been waiting with him, and she marched in the same way he did. The Tomoleos had more confidence and swagger than most.

Neither Soren nor Serena looked at me as they walked past, and Serena stopped and sat in the front row across the aisle from the Princesses.

As Soren passed through the gate in the obsidian half-wall from the gallery into the court, the air seemed to ripple slightly. That was the magik that would compel him to tell the truth, and it also prevented him from being able to channel dangerous magik to hurt anyone in the court.

---