While the ministers and leaders of the noble families whispered among themselves, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed from the courtroom entrance.
Everyone turned to see Ragan walking in with a stern expression. Two senior judges walked beside him, one on each side.
"Welcome, Your Majesty."
Queen Vanessa rose to her feet and bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Your Majesty."
Everyone else immediately followed.
Ragan simply gave a slight nod in response. His grim expression made it clear just how furious he was.
He and the two senior judges then took their respective seats.
Once everyone had sat back down, silence filled the courtroom again, though the tense atmosphere remained.
Ragan swept his gaze across Vanessa, Isabella, Melinda, Clarisse, and finally Cassandra.
His second wife looked pale and exhausted, as though she hadn't slept all night.
Ragan then turned his attention to the young man standing beside the judges' bench.
"The trial may begin."
