"She is lying, is what my father told me to say." He took in a long breath, staring down at the polished wood of the box.
"He told me to say that she was disobedient, haughty and uncultured. He also told me to say that she kidnapped me in order to get money from him."
Gasps tore through the crowd.
Jarren remained seated, clenching and unclenching his fists.
"He imprisoned her younger sister for daring to protect her when he asked her to undress before all the servants. I left willingly with her because I believed that my father would sue for peace if he loved me enough - but I was wrong. It is true that she was caught kissing Zachary, her father's steward, but it was not my father's place to take offence. It was mine, and I didn't take offence. She is innocent and my father is guilty by all the claims. I urge that justice be served to the deserving party."
Saying that, he walked calmly back to his seat. His shoulder lightened almost immediately.
