We arrived at the castle by 9:30 AM. We had plenty of time to go to the adjacent building, the Municipal Building, where the trial was going to be taking place. Queen Sophia and King Consort Mason met us inside with huge smiles and hugs.
Everyone was putting on a happy face for me today. I appreciated the effort I really did. I could tell they all were concerned about me but I couldn’t really say anything just yet because I didn’t know how trials happened here in Europe. I had to wait and see how everything played out.
We were escorted to the building next door. We were led down a short corridor that went to a flight of stairs. The stairs led to the trial rooms. The room we needed was Trial Room 4. When we entered I guess it shouldn’t have been surprising to see that it was set up just like our system. We were told where to sit because I was a witness for the prosecution.
I wouldn’t say that I was nervous but it was a little disconcerting sitting in that room. It made me a little anxious. Anthony feeling my anxiousness, put his arm around my shoulders and kissed my temple deeply. He sent calm and soothing vibes through the mate bond which I totally appreciated. I leaned into his body as best I could. I’m just glad that Mom had Austin in my room at the castle far away from here so Austin could not feel my anxiety.
The Trial Room filled up quickly with everyone who was supposed to be there. I saw Alpha King Matthew and Queen Diana, Beta Walsh in addition to a few of the American Council members. Wow. I guess they wanted to see what was going to happen to their former prince. When I saw Elder Hawkins, I gave him a nod and he in turn nodded to me. I found it somewhat comforting to know that he was there.
Before anything else could happen, a side door opened up and Michael was escorted in the room. He was wearing a grey one-piece jumper with loafers on his feet. It looked like he had just taken a shower prior to coming into the room. He had even shaved for his appearance in court. He tried to look around the room but was quickly reminded to keep his head straight ahead at all times.
“All Rise! The Honorable Judge D’Amato presiding,” the bailiff bellowed.
“Be seated. Your Majesties-Alpha Queen Sophia and King Consort Mason, Alpha King Matthew, and Queen Diana-welcome to my courtroom. Today we are here to begin the trial of Michael Halstead. Charges of Assault of Delta Melanie, Feticide, Kidnapping and Rape of Dutchess Melanie, and Accessory after the fact in the Murder of the Guards in the Transport. How does the defendant plea?” demanded Judge D’Amato.
“Not Guilty,” answered Michael.
Growls could be heard throughout the courtroom when Michael said, ‘Not Guilty.’ Not guilty? Really? Yeah, let’s go with that one and see how long that one flies.
“Silence! Alright, let’s begin. Ms. Dagastino, please call your first witness,” commanded the judge.
“Before I call my first witness your honor, I would like to clarify that Delta Melanie and Dutchess Melanie are the same person. She is the Delta of the Brookwood Pack and she is also our Dutchess here in Europe,” clarified Ms. Dagastino.
“Let the record so reflect. Call your first witness,” commanded the judge.
“I call Alpha King Matthew of the United States to the stand,” demanded Ms. Dagastino. After he had been sworn in, she began her line of questioning. She bowed toward him and asked, “Alpha King Matthew, thank you for being here today. Alpha King Matthew why were you, Alpha King Friedrich, and Delta Melanie meeting in the conference room on that Thursday morning?” questioned Ms. Dagastino.
“We were meeting to discuss a way to avert a war between our two countries,” answered King Matthew.
“Why were our two countries headed toward war Alpha King?” she questioned.
“My son, then Prince Michael, had rejected Princess Sophia as his fated mate. Let me explain this-After Delta Melanie had taken the Oath. We were about to go to her celebration when my son walked into the room with his mate, Princess Wendy. Princess Sophia’s wolf recognized him as her fated mate. He instantly rejected her, which set into motion a whole host of problems. First, we found out that He and Wendy were chosen mates and not fated as he had told the us and the entire nation. Second, our by-laws are very specific when it comes to rejecting mates,” answered King Matthew.
“I see. So, Michael Halstead rejecting our now Queen Sophia, then Princess Sophia, set us into motion heading toward a war?” inquired Ms. Dagastino.
“That is correct,” replied King Matthew.
“Tell us what happened in the conference room. How did Michael Halstead assault Dutchess Melanie?” questioned Ms. Dagastino.
“After we found the by-laws pertaining to the rejecting of mates-especially those royal. We needed clarification of how many knew that they were chosen mates. I sent Michael to the conference room. Dutchess Melanie received a text on her phone. She got up so she could leave the conference room and return the call. I told her she didn’t leave the room. She was at the door when I told her that. She had just turned around when Michael entered the room without knocking and barged into the room knocking her down. Then he kicked her in the stomach after he told her to know her place and to get out of his way,” replied King Matthew.
“Thank you, no more questions,” uttered Ms. Dagastino.
“Mr. Franklin, your witness,” the judge stated.
“No questions for the witness,” he replied.
“Thank you Alpha King Matthew, you may step down,” declared Judge D’Amato.
With a simple nod of his head, Alpha King Matthew got up and returned to his seat. He didn’t even look at his son sitting at the defendant’s table.
“Your Honor I would like to call Alpha Friedrich to the stand,” declared Ms. Dagastino. After he had been sworn in she began to question him. “Alpha Friedrich, thank you for being here today. Alpha Friedrich why were you, Alpha King Matthew, and Dutchess Melanie meeting in the conference room Thursday morning?” questioned Ms. Dagastino.
“We were meeting to discuss a way to avert a war between the U. S. and Europe because King Matthew’s son Michael had rejected my daughter, then Princess Sophia, now Queen Sophia. We were looking at their by-laws when we needed clarification on a point. Dutchess Melanie was about to step out of the room when, then Prince Michael, came barging in without knocking, knocking her to the ground, and then kicking her in the stomach. He then had the audacity to make it sound like it was her fault for being in the way …” was all he could say before Mr. Franklin interrupted him.
“Objection! The witness cannot speculate on what my client was thinking at the time of the incident,” demanded Mr. Franklin.
“Sustained. Continue Ms. Dagastino,” commanded the judge.
“Yes, Your Honor. What did the defendant say to her after he assaulted her?” inquired Ms. Dagastino.
“First, he said, ‘Why don’t you watch where you are going!’ and then after he kicked her he said, ‘Get out of my way, you female replacement,'” replied Uncle Friedrich.
“Thank you, Alpha Friedrich,” uttered Ms. Dagastino.
“Your witness Mr. Franklin,” declared the judge.
“No questions,” replied Mr. Franklin.
“Thank you, Alpha Friedrich, you may step down,” declared Judge D’Amato.
I just knew I was going to be called next. I took a deep breath and waited for what was to come.