A few months after King Eldric's funeral, High Luna Alexandra took Samuel to High Court over his claim to the throne. The first hearing had ended without a decision, and the second session had been adjourned after both sides were given time to gather witnesses and present further evidence. Now, for the third time, the High Court had assembled to hear the succession dispute.
The chamber was unusually quiet as the judges took their seats. Nobles from across the kingdom filled the rows behind them, while guards stood along the walls and near the doors. Samuel sat at the front with his counsel, his expression calm as he waited for the proceedings to begin. Across the chamber, Alexandra sat beside her counsel, and the nobles who had supported her petition, her hands resting neatly on her laps.
When the chief judge called the court to order, the murmuring throughout the chamber gradually died away.
