shuhaige
Chapter 24
Chapter 241 SAGE
"I didn't do anything wrong! Please, this is all mistake!" I shouted, desperately trying to free myself from the iron grip of the royal guards. They dragged me forward, my struggles proving futile against their brute strength.
No matter how much I resisted, I was powerless in their grasp. My heart pounded with a mixture of fear and indignation. This couldn't be happening.
Behind me, I could hear the ominous footsteps of Alpha Gordon, Holt, and Annika, their presence a dark cloud looming over me. They followed closely, their eyes burning into 111y back as we made our way to the grand palace, where Her Majesty awaited us. Every step felt like a death march, the grandeur of the palace contrasting sharply with the dread settling in my stomach. My mind raced, searching for a way out, but all I could feel was the tightening grip of fear.
"Please listen to me! There's been a misunderstanding!" I pleaded once more, but my words fell on deaf ears. The guards remained stoic, their expressions unyielding.
"Stop putting shame on our family, Sage. You've done enough damage," Annika uttered while Holt was looking at me with warm eyes as if he wanted to help me.
But, as expected, he would never dare go against his father. He'd rather sacrifice me than get on his father's bad side.
As we approached
the towering doors of the palace, I felt a cold chill run down my spine. The opulence of the grand hallways, with their marble floors and golden accents, seemed to mock my helplessness. I glanced back at Alpha Gordon and Annika, their faces a mix of smug satisfaction and Annika's eyes met mine, and she smirked, a cruel glint in her gaze. "Don't worry, sis. This will be over sooner," she whispered, her voice barely audible but laced with
menace.
The doors to the throne room swung open, and I was thrust into the blinding light of the vast chamber. Her Majesty sat on her throne, her regal presence commanding the room. My knees felt weak, but I forced myself to stand tall, refusing to show any sign of weakness.
Your Majesty," one of the guards announced, we have brought Lady Sage as you. requested."
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Her Majesty's eyes bore into me, her gaze cold and calculating. "Well, look, who do we have here?" she began, her voice like ice. "You stand accused of betrayal and deceit. How do you plead?"
I swallowed hard, my voice trembling as I replied, "I am innocent, Your Majesty. This is all a terrible misunderstanding"
Her Majesty raised an eyebrow, a small, skeptical smile playing on her lips. "Innocent, you say? Then are you denying that you entered the palace with tainted virtue?"
"Y-Your Majesty.
She smirked, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Seeing how you were lost for words, I'd take that as you confirming the accusation against you"
"Y-Your Majesty-1 stammered, trying to find my voice to defend myself once more. but Alpha Gordon swiftly interjected.
"Your Majesty, it is with the deepest regret that I inform you of the chaos she has brought to the palace. If we had known she was a tainted woman, we would never have. sent her here to disgrace the royal family"
"That's a lie! You knew about it! I told you the truth, but you still chose to send me in place of your own daughter" I shouted, my anger flaring. How could he stand there and pretend innocence! I should have known that would happen. It wasn't enough for him to send me to death.
Her Majesty's eyes flicked between us, her expression unreadable. "Alpha Gordon," she
aid, her voice measured, "are you suggesting that you were unaware of Lady Sage's past?"
"Absolutely, Your Majesty Alpha Gordon replied smoothly, his face a mask of sincerity. "We were deceived by her as well. We would never have sullied your court with such dishonor."
I felt a wave of despair wash over me. His lies were so convincing and his betrayal wi so complete. I looked around the room, hoping for any sign of support, but all eyes were on me, judging and condemning
Your Majesty, please." I pleaded, "I am innocent. This is all manipulation, a scheme to ruin me. Alpha Gordon is lying"
The queen's cold gaze settled on me once more. You claim innocence, yet Alpha Gordon's reputation speaks otherwise. Why should we believe you over him?"
THE
I opened my mouth to respond, but my words caught in my throat. I knew that no matter what I said, the truth would be twisted against me. They had all the power, and I was just a pawn in their game.
Annika stepped forward, her face a mask of false concern. "Yo Majesty, if I may," she began, her voice sickly sweet, "my brother and I only want what is best for the kingdom. We are loyal to you, and it pains us
to see such discord" She turned in my direction. and I witnessed how an evil smirk broke onto her face before shifting her gaze back to Her Majesty.
"My daughter is right, Your Majesty. To prove our loyalty to the court and assure you that we mean no harm to the throne, 1. Alpha Gordon of the Moonlake Crest pack, am more than willing to present my daughter to replace this disgraceful woman." Alpha Gordon declared with a flourish, his voice dripping with false sincerity.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. They got me into this trouble only to send Annika as a tribute. The audacity of it left me speechless.
Her Majesty's eyes narrowed as she regarded Alpha Gordon and Annika. "You are offering your daughter as a replacement" She questioned, her tone laced with skepticism
"Yes, Your Majesty," Alpha Gordon confirmehowing his head slightly "Annika is pure, loyal, and has been raised with the utmost respect for the crown. She would be a far more suitable companion than this deceitful man." the
My blood boiled at his words. You're using as a scapegoat just to gain favor with the king!" I burst out, my voice shaking with fury. "You knew everything and still sent me here to take the fall!"
Alpha Gordon's face remained impassive, bugthere was a ticker of annoyance in his eyes. "We only seek to rectify a grave mistake Your Majesty Annika's presence will restore the honor that has been tarnished" Annika stood beside him, her expression demure but with a hint of smugnesa. "I am ready to serve the crown, Your Majesty. My only with is to bring peace and harmony
back to the court."
The queen considered their words carefully Very well,' she said finally. "Annika will stay, and this woman will be held until the trial If it is found that she is innocent, she will be released. If not, she will face the conMČEZ LATTICES. Aumka's eyes gleamed with triumph, but sheuickly masked it with a humble nod "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will not let you down"All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
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"Guards, take Lady Sage to the holding chambers. We will convene in the morning to hear the case."
The guards tightened their grip on me, pulling me towards the doors. Panic surged through me as I struggled against them. "No! This isn't fair! You can't do this to me!"
Alpha Gordon's voice followed me as I was dragged away. "Justice will be served, Your Majesty. We will ensure that."
As the guards began to lead me away, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of betrayal and
helplessness. I glanced back at Annika and Alpha Gordon, their satisfied expressions making my stomach churn. They had orchestrated this perfectly, and I was their sacrificial lamb.
"Mark my words, this isn't over," I vowed under my breath as the doors closed behind me. They may have won this round, but I would find a way to expose their deceit. My life depended on it.