Chapter 13: The Summons of the Court
The grand hall of the Montclair Estate felt different today.
This was not an ordinary gathering hall—
this was the Court Hall.
The towering ceiling, the long marble pillars, and the royal crest engraved into the floor all seemed designed for only one purpose:
To deliver judgment.
Elara was escorted inside.
Two guards stood beside her.
Yet she did not walk like a criminal.
She walked calmly, her eyes fixed straight ahead.
At the elevated throne stood Lady Seraphina.
That familiar sweet smile remained on her lips.
But today, it looked far more formal… far more dangerous.
"Let the court begin," she said softly.
On one side of the chamber stood Young Master Adrian Montclair.
Victory already lingered across his face.
Today he was merely a witness, yet his expression made it seem as though the verdict had already been decided.
And near the great doors at the back stood Young Master Kael Montclair.
Silent.
But his eyes carefully scanned the entire room—every face, every movement, every hidden signal.
Seraphina slowly spoke,
"Today, we shall review a grave accusation."
She raised her hand.
A document was brought forward.
"Elara stands accused of treason against the state."
The entire hall fell silent.
Elara did not move even once.
Her gaze remained fixed on Seraphina.
"I did nothing," she said calmly.
Adrian stepped forward.
"There is no need to lie."
His voice was filled with confidence.
"I saw the evidence myself."
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"What exactly did you see, Adrian?"
Adrian gave a faint smile.
"Secret letters… information regarding the palace's security was sent outside the estate."
He pointed directly at Elara.
For the first time, Elara drew a slightly deeper breath.
"I never did such a thing."
Seraphina slowly nodded.
"Yet the evidence suggests otherwise."
There was no haste in her voice.
Only certainty.
Kael took a step forward.
"Where is the evidence?"
Seraphina lifted her eyes toward him.
"Your brother provided it."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Kael's gaze shifted toward Adrian.
Adrian simply smiled.
"Do you not trust your own brother?" Adrian asked.
Kael gave no answer.
His hand slowly tightened into a fist.
Elara lowered her head slightly.
But her eyes never broke.
"It's a trap," she whispered.
Seraphina slowly rose from her seat.
"This court does not move by emotion."
She placed the document down.
"It delivers judgment."
The air in the hall became unbearably heavy.
Suddenly, Kael spoke.
"I object."
Every eye turned toward him.
Seraphina paused.
"On what grounds?"
Kael looked directly at Elara.
His voice was cold, yet unwavering.
"Because I know she did not do this."
Adrian laughed softly.
"Is your faith greater than the authority of this court?"
Kael answered calmly—
"Yes."
Silence.
For a brief moment, Seraphina closed her eyes.
Then she spoke.
"Then the court shall make its temporary decision."
"Elara will remain imprisoned until further judgment."
For the first time, a faint flicker crossed Elara's eyes.
But she did not break.
Kael moved forward—
but two guards immediately stopped him.
Seraphina spoke quietly,
"If you break the rules, Kael… then you too shall be accused."
A single moment passed.
Kael stopped.
His eyes remained on Elara.
Slowly, Elara lifted her head.
Her voice was soft.
"Don't risk yourself for me… Kael."
Kael gave no reply.
Only a silent promise lingered in his eyes.
As the guards escorted Elara away,
Adrian stepped beside Kael and whispered,
"It's over."
Kael looked at him.
Then answered with terrifying calm—
"No."
"This is only the beginning."
And for the first time within the walls of the Montclair Estate—
the shadow of a real war began to rise.
To be continued...