“Merciful?” The High Queen spluttered. “Why should I need mercy?”
“You have consorted with traitors.” Jelric began but she cut across him.
“I am a High Queen. I will not be questioned or interrogated by a Magi.” She spat.
“But you will answer me.” The High King replied.
Indyra paused looking at each of the men sitting before her. “Am I on trial here?” She asked.
“That remains to be seen your Highness.” The man with the bell answered.
“If I am on trial I demand to know what it is I am accused of.” She said glaring around the room.
“You demand nothing. You have no rights in this room.” The High King snapped waving his hand to dismiss her words.
“I have the same rights as anyone before this court. I have the right to face my accuser and the right to know of what I am charged.” She said puffing herself up as she spoke. “Or are you so blinded now by your own power that you would overwrite even the laws of this land?”
“Enough. You will answer my questions or…” Uther said.
“Or what? You would not dare get rid of me, the people wouldn’t have it. There’d be a revolution.” Indyra half taunted him.
“You think yourself that loved?” Uther sneered. “No I do not need to get rid of you. I only need to have you banished from court to be rid of you.”
“You cannot banish me.”
“If you’ve consorted with traitors against the Crown.” He stated.
“What traitors? Consorted with who?” She asked.
“Prince Rillon.” Uther said.
The High Queen frowned confused. “Prince Rillon is not a traitor.” She said half laughing at the idea.
Uther glanced at Jelric and nodded.
“Earlier today Prince Rillon lured the Fae girl to the gardens and attempted to force himself on her.” Jelric stated.
“What?” Indyra said looking shocked.
“Alice was lured there by your note.” Prince Fain said leaning forward to address her from where he was now sat. The High Queen looked from one face to another.
“That is not treason.” She said. “It’s a heinous act but it’s not treason.”
“His intention was to use the girl to become half-Fae. To share her magic.” Jelric said.
The High Queen frowned for a moment, as though lost in thought.
“In certain circumstances a Fae can share their power.” Jelric continued.
“Yes I know.” She replied talking over him and waving her hand annoyed.
”You know this?” Uther asked narrowing his eyes. “How?”
“Doesn’t everybody?” She shrugged. “I thought it was common knowledge.”
“So you knew that by luring Alice to the gardens, Rillon was going to force himself on her and try to take Fae magic for himself?” Fain asked slowly.
“He said he wanted to talk that’s all.” She said turning to look pleadingly at Fain. “To apologise to her.”