Chapter 9: The Verdict
"What would you like to know your honor?" I sweetly smile.
"Your position on punishment."
"Very well." I scrunch my eyebrows together. "I am only filling in for Duke Jean-Claude while he seeks reinforcements. It will be best if we have a verdict now to give to him upon his return. If General Maxime is found guilty, he should wait in the jail, for the Dukes return. When he returns the Duke can enact any further punishment, he sees fit."
"That is a humble outlook. Where can I and the other judges deliberate in private?"
"Through that door." I gesture to the door at the back of the study that leads to the maze of private chambers for the Duke. "The first room is a sitting room and should suite your needs."
"Thank you, my lady." Judge Laurent stands and gives me a bow before he leaves, followed by the other two judges.
General Maxime glares at Raphael. Once the judges are out of ear shot, he begins his tantrum.
"They won't convict me with the city being under siege. I am the only one with enough experience to get us through it." General Raphael ignores his words. He knows the city will only thrive with Maxime gone.
I follow Raphael's lead, ignoring Maxime. I turn to the bookshelves, and scan for a specific book I haven't reread in a while. I spot it on the third shelf in at my eye level. I am rather short, so it is only the fourth shelf up. I pluck it off the navy-blue painted wood and sit in the comfortable desk chair. I flip through the volume of war tactics until I come to the chapter of defending against sieges. I skim the pages I know so well, not truly taking in their words, but I wait a long time to turn the page, as if I am scrutinizing every word and idea.
Maxime recognizes the cover as a popular strategy book, and scowls. I internally snicker. Does he really see himself as the only hope for the city? If he had it his way, we will be obliterated in a couple of weeks.
"Do you think reading will help you? Little girl, you are in over your head. You need me, an experienced general, to help you." I don't acknowledge his question. It is true that if I am just starting to read and understand strategy I would be in a sorry state. Luckily for me I have been studying this topic, among others, since I was 9.
"You are a weakhearted girl who will watch her city burn. This war is beyond your comprehension."
I refuse to respond. I can't reveal my distain for him before the verdict is announced. If he is acquitted, he will remain the leader of the armies. I can't have him see me as an outright enemy.
As we ignore him, he is fuming. For the 30 minutes it takes the judges to reach a verdict, he repeatedly tries to threaten the witnesses, but it leads to nothing. They follow Raphael's and my lead. When the judges renter I stand, offering my seat to judge Laurent.
"Thank you, your ladyship." He sits down. "After having reviewed the evidence presented, and the testimony of our physician, we hereby find General Maxime guilty of conspiring to kill the head of the Dukedom. Usually this is punishable by hanging or the guillotine, but Lady Pierrette is merciful. We sentence you to prison until Duke Jean-Claude returns. Upon his return he can decide to alter your punishment if he sees fit."
"You idiots. The city will fall within a month without me! This girl is unqualified to lead!" Maxime shouts, rushing at the judge. The prison guards hold him back.
I can't stand his yammering anymore. "General, I don't need someone who will lie to my face and put personal interests over the good of Villefranche to save the city. I am aware of my position and will make any sacrifice necessary to maintain the safety of this people until my father returns. I am not a child to be manipulated into submission. Guards, take him to a deep corner of the dungeon, where I won't have to see him ever again."
They drag Maxime from the room as he screams at me. I ignore him and turn to the witnesses and judges. "I would like to thank everyone who participated to help us find the truth and justice. You have saved my life."
They all murmur their farewells until only Marcus and Raphael are left. "Raphael, you did well."
"He hung himself. I just had to catch him."
"Thank you for your loyalty. Tomorrow we will have a council meeting where I will announce the news and appoint you as the lead general of the city."
"Thank you, my lady." Raphael bows.
"You have earned my trust, now if you won't mind, I need to sleep." I leave the two for my chamber and warm bed, although sleep will evade me. I have to keep trying to find the right wording for the peace treaty and a letter to Prince Clement-Victor proposing a meeting.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Madaleine_Varraut
Madaleine_Varraut What are your thoughts? Is this the last we will see of Maxime?
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone