"I refuse."
The moment Selena said the two words, every eye in the great hall turned to her.
She realized her mistake almost instantly and rushed to fix it.
"I mean, I refuse to accept this kind of malicious humiliation from Elara.
"A royal trial should be fair. My reputation shouldn't be destroyed over a few drops of blood from who knows where."
Caleb had been brought in from the palace steps. His knees were still bleeding.
He steadied himself against a pillar, his expression grim. "Your Majesty, Selena is recognized by the Silver Moon Pack as a high-ranking bloodline.
"She passed the academy's test.
"Elara has targeted her again and again. That handkerchief can't be used as evidence."
Darius sat on the throne and asked, "Are you teaching the royal court how to conduct a trial?"
