Page 135 of Alpha Queen
Ares stepped forward, his voice a low rumble. "Thank the High Luna for her generosity, Vanessa. If the decision had been Apollo and mine alone, you would not be leaving this room alive."
Vanessa swallowed hard, her eyes not meeting River's. "Thank you, High Luna," she whispered, the words catching in her throat. "For your mercy."
With a nod from Apollo, Jediah and Garrick dragged Vanessa toward the exit, her shackles clinking with each step. The assembled wolves watched them pass, their expressions a mix of satisfaction and lingering resentment.
As the doors closed behind them, Apollo and Ares led River back to her throne between them.
"You did well," Ares murmured into her hair.
She grabbed Apollo's hand. He looked at her, and the anger smoothed out across his face as he gave her a tight smile that told her he was hanging on, but not well. She rubbed her cheek against his knuckles and then kissed them, and his body relaxed further.
Mercule stood again, his attention to the remaining prisoners. "We shall now proceed with the trial of Rudy Mountainside, former Alpha of the Northeastern pack."
Rudy didn't move or lift his head; he simply sat, his head bowed, his eyes on the floor.
Ares sat forward. "Rudy Mountainside. You have been found guilty of treason as well as a physical attack on a royal family member. For these crimes, you will serve out a sentence of no less than twenty years in the service of Alpha Mandla Goldmane of the Lion Pride pack in Cape Town, South Africa."
Rudy's head whipped up. "Lions? South Africa? What about my mate? My sons?"
"They were all given the option of going with you or relocating to a new pack in California. Can you guess which they chose?" asked Apollo.
Rudy growled, and his eyebrows drew together. "But-"
"No but," said Ares. "Another condition of your not being executed is that you never try to contact your mate or sons again. They have asked to have their names changed, and your mate has appealed for an annulment."
His face paled. "No. I refuse."
"It's not up to you," said Apollo. "She has petitioned us personally."
"And as we are not likely to make a faithful and wonderful woman be tainted for her entire life by the shame of her mate," said River. "Nor sons be shunned for the greed of their father."
Rudy looked between them, his face a tornado of emotions.
"Is there anyone who wishes to speak on Rudy's behalf?" asked Ares.
No one spoke.
Ares nodded. "Rudy Mountainside. You will proceed directly from this hearing to the airport, where representatives of the Lion Pride pack will meet and escort you to your new home. We have given Alpha Goldmane full say over your future. He may do with you as he wishes without fear of reprisal from us, as long as he keeps you in South Africa. You should also know that he has been rewarded handsomely for his help in this matter, solidifying his loyalty to the Crown. So, trying to bribe or manipulate him will be of no use."
Ares nodded to Theo and Santiago, and they pulled Rudy to his feet and pushed him toward the exit. Murmurs sounded around the room. River had never heard of wolves being sent abroad to other species, and apparently, neither had anyone in the room. But it was a good decision. It showed those in the room that death was not the only punishment for treachery.
The mood in the chamber shifted as all eyes turned back to the last two prisoners. Unlike Titan, who radiated defiance even in a kneeling position, Kane maintained quiet dignity, head bowed but shoulders straight.
"Kane," Mercule began, "you stand accused as Titan's second-in-command, complicit in his crimes against the Crown and our people. How do you plead?"
Kane raised his head, his eyes clear and unflinching as he met the Council elder's gaze. "Guilty," he said. "I will not deny my role in what happened."
Apollo stiffened beside her, his grip tightening on her hand. She glanced at him, recognizing the conflict in his eyes. This was the man who had tried to protect her during her captivity, who had wanted to help her. Yet he was also the man who had stood by Titan's side for years, enabling his rise to power.
"The sentence for your crimes could be death," Ares stated. "Do you understand?"
Kane nodded once. "I do, Your Majesty. And I accept whatever judgment you deem appropriate."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the royal family, waiting for their decision.
"But we have been asked to offer you a different fate," Ares continued. "The innocent survivor rogues have been given a place to live and start over."
Gasps and murmurs started around the room, and River glanced around, trying to make sure that tensions didn't rise. The last thing they needed was a riot of Alphas and Betas.
