The Bride He Hates-Chapter 117: Judgement

When they entered the council chamber, there were not only council members present, but also observers, scribes, and alliance representatives. Word had already spread that Queen Lyanna would be answering for the Riverwatch deaths.

Lord Cassius, being the second in command after Azrael, stood up as they entered.

"Your Majesties, we’ve gathered to address the security breach that led to three deaths at Riverwatch." He turned to Lyanna. "Queen Lyanna, you led the investigation. Can you tell us what you found?"

"We arrested Voss, a corporation worker who committed the murders. He confessed to killing three cooperation supporters to send a message that the alliance with vampires is dangerous."

"And how did he know who to target?" He asked. "How did he have such detailed knowledge of the territory security?"

"He stole it from my security assessment." Lyanna replied. "I was doing an analysis a few months ago. It had all the details. Voss used that information to plan his attacks."

The council chamber erupted in murmurs.

"This assessment was confidential, right?" Lady Morgana asked.

"It was." Lyanna replied. "But I failed to secure it properly. I left it in my study, on my desk, rather than locking it. When Voss had access to alliance offices for document filing, he stole it."

"You left confidential security documents on your desk?" Cassius asked in disbelief.

"Yes." Lyanna confessed. "I was careless. I was working on the assessment during a difficult time before my separation from His Majesty. I was emotionally distressed and failed in my duty to protect confidential information."

"So you admit that your negligence led to the Riverwatch murders?"

"Yes. I admit it."

"Your Majesty, we understand you were doing security work and you intended to strengthen alliance defenses. Does that not mitigate your responsibility?" Lady Morgana said.

"Intent cannot bring those people back to life." Lyanna said. "I was trying to help but because of my negligence and carelessness, I provided the tools for their murders instead. Good intentions do not excuse deadly consequences."

Azrael stood up.

"Queen Lyanna has acknowledged her mistakes. But she has also solved the case. It was she who found the killer. She is taking responsibility for her role while also ensuring the person actually responsible for the murders is punished. That should be taken into consideration."

"Should we also consider that our queen was so consumed by personal unhappiness that she became negligent with confidential information?" Cassius asked.

"Lord Cassius is right. I was so consumed by personal matters that I neglected my duties. I became careless with people’s lives." Lyanna said, surprising everyone.

She then turned to address the complete council.

"I’m not here to make excuses. I’m here to accept responsibility. I failed as an alliance leader, and I’m ready to accept the consequences."

"What consequences do you believe are appropriate?" Lady Morgana asked.

"That’s for the council to decide." Lyanna replied. "But I know my mistakes make me unfit to lead the alliance."

The council chamber went silent. Azrael looked at her, torn between supporting her honesty and protecting her position.

"The council will vote." Lord Cassius said. "On whether Queen Lyanna’s negligence warrants removal from alliance leadership and on whether her failures show unsuitability for handling political matters requiring discretion and security."

"I move for a vote." Lady Morgana said, reluctantly.

They voted by showing their hands. Lyanna watched as council members raised their hands for her removal.

"The vote is fourteen to three." Cassius announced. "Queen Lyanna is hereby removed from all alliance leadership positions. Furthermore, by a vote of twelve to five, the council believes that Queen Lyanna’s negligence with confidential information makes her unsuitable for handling political matters requiring security and discretion."

"I accept the council’s decision." Lyanna replied calmly.

"Furthermore, the council recommends that His Majesty consider whether Queen Lyanna’s failure extends to other areas of governance. While we cannot remove her as queen, we strongly suggest limiting her involvement in matters of state."

"That’s enough." Azrael shouted. "The council has made its decision regarding alliance leadership. But her role in other governance matters is not subject to the council vote."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Cassius replied. "It was just a recommendation."

"A recommendation that is dismissed." Azrael said coldly. "This session is adjourned."

Everyone left slowly, leaving Azrael and Lyanna alone.

"Lyanna!" Azrael began. "I’m so..."

"Don’t apologize. I deserved this." She stood up. "I want to be alone for some time to process everything."

"Let me come with you." Azrael said.

"I need space. Please. Just... give me some time."

She walked out of the council chamber, leaving

Azrael alone, feeling helpless.

Lyanna went to their chambers and locked the door.

She had lost everything she had worked so hard for because of her carelessness. She cried.

She didn’t want Azrael to see her tears, that’s why she had asked for space. She had stayed strong in front of him because she knew Azrael might make biased decisions that would only make the council resent him.

But from inside, she was breaking.

Azrael came to their chambers later that night.

"I’m not leaving." He said before she could say anything. "You said you needed space. I gave you hours. But not anymore."

Lyanna was sitting by the window, looking out at the gardens.

"I lost everything." She said. "The alliance, my position and my credibility."

"You still have me and trust me everything will go back to normal soon. I will make that possible." Azrael said as he sat in front of her.

"Cassius and his faction are taking advantage of your honesty to remove you from power. I will find a way to restore your position. Trust me."

"They removed me because I deserved to be removed." Lyanna replied. "We’ve been reconciled for less than a week and everything has already fallen apart. Maybe we were right to be afraid at the cottage. Maybe we can’t make this work without losing something important."

"We can."

"I’m not sure I believe that anymore."

She replied and looked at him, at the man she loved, at the husband who stood by her through the council vote, at the partner she desperately wanted to believe in.

"But I still want to be here with you." She said softly.

"That’s enough." He smiled.

He pulled her into his arms, and she hugged him back tightly.

Only a few days of their reconciliation and she had already lost her position and her purpose.

And worse,neither of them knew what came next.