We could have married, had children, and grown old together. We could have done everything that fated couples are supposed to do.
But fate is a bitch, and that’s not how my life turned out. Instead, my mate mourns for me as she sits in the back, flanked by the older couple who accompany her every day. Her shoulders stay straight, and I can see the stubborn tilt in her chin. I know she won’t leave me. I know she’ll stay by my side no matter what the verdict is, which means I need to make a choice.
Do I want this life for her? Do I want her to stay chained to a criminal who she’ll never be able to touch, see, or be with again? Or do I set her free?
Only thing, setting her free means destroying all we have.
But I know what I need to do. My final sentencing is coming, and for once in my life, I’m going to be unselfish in my decision-making.
It’s not about me anymore. It’s about my mate and what’s best for her.
I can only hope that one day she’ll forgive me.
Chapter 40 – Brianna
Collin’s trial is winding down, which makes nausea roll in my gut. Each day has been more damning than the last. I know they’re going to execute him given what’s been said, and I can’t let that happen.
My only hope is meeting with the queen justice. I’ve tried several times to see the judge, but she’s always been unavailable. However, yesterday Daria told me that if I arrived at seven this morning, the queen justice would be free before the start of Collin’s trial today.
It’s my only chance.
I arrive at the courtroom early and smooth my A-line skirt and button-up blouse before walking to the judges’ chambers. I’m hoping that if I look professional, I’ll be taken seriously, but even my fancy clothes don’t hide my trembling hands.
My grandparents aren’t here yet. I told them that I needed to do something before the trial began so I left without them, but when I round the corner and two sentries stand guard at the judges’ quarters, I wonder if I’m out of my depth. Maybe I should have brought them along after all.
The sentries watch me as I approach. Each one holds a wickedly sharp spear and stands ramrod straight.
When I reach them, their dark eyes stare down at me from their imposing heights. Both are heavily muscled, and their skin carries that strange golden hue.
I take a deep breath. Okay, Bri. Don’t blow it.
They extend their spears toward the center of the hall creating an X, and a loud clang follows. A strong push of magic barrels into me. It’s as if I’ve hit an invisible wall.
“State your reason for approaching the judges’ chambers,” the sentry on the left says.
My mouth goes dry. “I’m here to see the queen justice regarding Collin Ward’s trial.”
Something changes in the sentry’s eyes. His dark irises whirl and turn to shimmery silver before becoming inky darkness once again. Another rush of magic flows over me but quickly passes.
With a swift move, the sentries pull their spears back to their sides and look forward once again.
“Proceed.”
I hurry through the guarded threshold and head straight for the corner room. Daria prepped me beforehand so I would know where to go, and when I reach it, I knock twice on the solid wooden door.
“Enter,” a woman calls from within.
The door opens before I can touch the handle, and when I cross the threshold, another vibration of magic flutters through me.
Fucking-A. This place is swimming in magic.
But I manage to maintain my composure when I approach her desk. She still hasn’t looked up. Instead, the queen justice writes furiously on some legal-looking script in front of her. Daria had told me the queen justice is a vampire, and I can’t help my curious appraisal of her.
Her complexion is snow-white and blemish-free. As before, she wears thick black-rimmed glasses. Her blond hair is piled into a stylish twist on the top of her head, not one stray strand is out of place.
“Are you done?” she asks without shifting her attention.
My jaw snaps close, and I swallow uncomfortably since she knew I’d been appraising her. I sink onto the chair in front of her desk while my cheeks flush.
“I didn’t say you could sit.”
I hastily stand. Shit. Can I fuck this up any more? “I’m sorry.” I clear my throat. “I