Draven's firm voice filled the quiet hall, "On the day of mourning, Ember Aramis failed to control her powers, and irrespective of her intentions, she unintentionally caused harm and death to other people. Her behavior brought fear and unrest to the hearts of the people. Ember Aramis deserves to be punished as well so such a mistake won't happen once more."
The council members were visibly relieved, some even glad to hear that the King would not shirk his responsibility and was not going easy on his own mate. "Ember Aramis would not be given the title of the Queen of Agartha. She will not partake in any official duties nor will she be given authority, only living as an ordinary citizen of the kingdom and the mate of Draven Aramis."
This was another news to be happy about. As supernatural beings, how could they bear to call a human their queen? No matter what, their kind had too heavy a grudge accumulated against human beings. Though they could accept Ember as an individual, they found it difficult to accept that they had to bow in front of her, calling her their Queen.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"Once I return to my city, the people will surely praise the King for being fair and just."
Amidst those cheering people, there were few who didn't like this decision. Erlos thought it was unfair to Ember, while Leeora was sighing in her heart, still wishing to see that sweet girl sitting next to her mate as a Queen. After the crowd quieted down, Halifax cleared his throat. "With that, we have covered the items from our agenda. If there's nothing more to discuss, I believe we can end the council meeting here—" "
"There is one more thing we are yet to discuss," Draven interrupted him.
Though startled, the old elf quickly lowered his head. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but may we know what His Majesty means?" freёwebnovel.com
"We are yet to punish those who participated in deceiving the King and in the murder of Commander Morpheus," Draven replied as his gaze passed through the two accomplices standing among the aides and attendants of the council members. Halifax and the rest followed his line of sight. Erlos announced, "The witches, Zelda Venn of the Millow Coven and Thala Grimsbane of the Honeyharbor Coven, step forward and receive His Majesty's decree!"
The two elderly women, one with a hunched back and the other with a wooden leg, stood in the center of the hall. Now, everyone understood what the King meant. "Your Majesty, I accept my crime of participating in Commander Morpheus' murder. I will accept the punishment His Majesty would decide for me," the Black Witch said as she lowered her head in front of the King. Thala repeated after her, "I, Thala Grimsbane, accept my crime and will accept the punishment His Majesty decides for me." However, she did not bow, instead opting to look at the King on the throne. "But let me make it clear that I do not regret stabbing you with that weapon."
Her last words didn't affect Draven as it was nothing unexpected. Before Draven could declare their punishment, Halifax once again spoke, "Your Majesty, on the behalf of all the council members, I would like to say something."
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