Despite all that the Marquis said, the Duke did not respond to the jab. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on the Emperor, who watched with a delighted grin, as if this were the finest theater in the Capital.
"Well, Lucien," the Emperor purred, leaning his cheek on his hand. "Your witness is now a corpse, and the Marquis has a point. It happened in your sight, under your 'protection,' and within your own walls. It seems you have a lot to defend now."
The court went noisy again with the speculating murmuring and whispers.
Alaric's hand gripped the hilt of his sword so hard his knuckles turned white. He was alone in a room full of enemies, his only proof dead on the floor, and Julian was trapped in a sleep no one could explain.
The Head Judge beat his mallet against the wood, the sharp crack calling the hall to order.
