Chapter 202

[Third-Person’s POV]

An inquisition.

That was what the general public was after. The region, itself, was still in semi-shock over the fact that Alexander had declared war against the Royal Family. Unlike the last two trials that had been held within the actual justice building, Alexander saw it fit to have the case take place in the palace itself.

Everyone was eligible to attend.

In fact, Alexander and Evelyn were instant upon it.

“Total transparency,” she had told him. “Everyone needs to see you as a new and open kind of monarch. One that they feel they can put their trust in.”

“While you did storm the palace and cause bloodshed, they need to see it was all done in the public’s best interest,” Oliver added.

Alexander rolled his eyes. “More like he kidnapped my wife and I was gearing up to decapitate the son of a bitch,” he muttered.

Evelyn gave him a pointed look and shook her head. “Alexander, please. We need to find a way that places you in the best possible light here. After all, no matter what angle you want to look at this situation—you’re the one who led the rebellion and overtook the throne.”

“She’s right, sir. What we need is people’s understanding and trust.”

It wasn’t as though Alexander didn’t care about the public's opinion; however, his interests were purely centered around wanting to disband whatever illegal trades and dealings Gregory had in place. He was fed up with the corruption. But he knew that Evelyn and Oliver had a point.

Without the public’s acceptance, there would be nothing but anarchy which was the last thing he wanted to cause.

“Alright, alright,” he conceded. “You’re right. I need to show that I’m not just another treacherous king wanting to take over everything.”

Today was the day when the region would finally learn of the dark secrets that built the crooked foundation of their long-standing government.

The palace was packed. If there were a single stitch of room to be found, it was swiftly taken up by another eager spectator. Naturally, these sorts of hearings were overseen by the King. Well...

This time around, Alexander had called in the judge to oversee the case hearing.

In such a rare, historical moment, the older man sat on the actual throne while Alexander stood in front of him and the collective jury. Beside him, no more than ten feet away, was Gregory. The man had been dressed down from his typical royal attire and made to appear like everyone else.

“I have to say, Alexander, I'm a bit shocked by your actions, to say the least,” the judge began.

Alexander curtly nodded. “Your Honor, I am more than willing to own up to my actions. Yes, they were rash but it wasn’t without reason.”

Everyone was honed in on the conversation.

“For years, the Royal Family has been governing over this region. They’ve been implementing the laws in such a way that only applies to its citizens all the while, conveniently, excluding themselves. Your so-called King is nothing more than a ring leader in our region’s underground trade market.”

A majority of the was consumed in gasps and muffled murmurs.

Oliver stepped forward and handed the large file of evidence they had gathered on Gregory’s sketchy activities over to the judge.

“Weapons, drugs, jewelry, high-cost luxury items—all of it has been illegally passing to and from our region to other parts of the world. He’s placed unnecessary taxes on everyday necessities while pocketing that extra money for himself.”

Gregory spoke out a violent wave of anger.

“He’s lying!” he snarled. “He’s delusional, just like his family!”

Alexander remained cool and collected. “Funny, you should bring up those people, Gregory. Why don’t we bring them out so we can have a little chat?”

The room watched in silent intensity as two guards stepped forward with Caroline Kingston standing meekly between them. The woman looked as disheveled and frail as Gregory did.

Prior to this momentous day, Alexander had spoken with his Stepmother. They hadn’t necessarily struck up a deal, but he had made it a point to tell her that should she fail to cooperate during this hearing, he would ensure that her life in prison would be nothing short of hell.

“Caroline Kingston,” the judge addressed her. “Would you care to tell the room your involvement in all this?”

Caroline clenched her jaw. The woman would rather walk across broken glass with her bare feet than have to own up to her own faults.

“Initially, I am the one who helped orchestrate the assassination placed on Alexander,” she admitted. The room erupted into a sea of shocked looks and more gasps. “It all started with the King coming to me—”

“You lying little traitor!” Gregory spat. “Keep your mouth shut!”

“That is enough! Your Majesty, I’m sorry, but if you are not able to restrain yourself, I’m afraid I’ll have to insist that you be temporarily removed from the room until Mrs. Kingston finishes giving her testimony.”

Gregory begrudgingly fell silent.

“The King has always been intimidated by Alexander’s ability to grow and successfully maintain his pack. It had reached a point where his numbers were high enough to truly rival that of the Royal Family’s. The King was concerned that Alexander would find a way to overthrow him.”

“Please keep in mind that these feelings could only exist on a guilty conscience,” Alexander said. “Any pack that I had previously taken under my control was mainly because their previous Alphas were neglecting their responsibilities. It never had anything to do with status or enhancement of power.”

“So, Gregory and I crafted the idea of getting rid of Alexander so that my son, Michael would be able to step in,” Caroline explained.

“I see,” the judge commented. “And what of the more recent affairs? Apparently, Alexander’s soldiers found you in one of the holding cells after the takeover took place. Why were you there?”

Again, Caroline shifted in her place.

“When everyone else was trying to escape the palace, the King called for my council. I didn’t want to show up but I knew just as well that he would have sent guards after me otherwise. He’d found out that I had previously spoken to Alexander and deemed me a traitor.”

Caroline found Evelyn’s gaze amongst the crowd.

“As a means of trying to secure my freedom, I helped the King find a way to get back at Alexander. He had a friend, a veteran who once served under the Royal Family as a previous soldier, come in to pull off the job. I told him how he’d be able to infiltrate Alexander’s borders and kidnap Evelyn.”

A majority of the spectators were utterly enthralled by Caroline’s explanation. They occasionally glared at their previous King and sneered in distaste at the man’s ongoing deceit.

“I admit to having called Gregory out on misconduct and ill-use of power,” Alexander said firmly. “I’d given him a choice. I suggested that he leave the palace behind and denounce himself as King. Otherwise, I was prepared to expose him for the crimes he and his family have been committing for countless decades.”

Alexander then turned to the large masses of people who all gave him their sole focus.

“I am willing to acknowledge that what I did was severe and highly traumatizing to some. The takeover had seldom to do with gaining a title and more to do with ensuring that Gregory’s reign would finally come to an end,” he said.

The tension in the room was thick. There was still a great deal of uncertainty felt all around. How could there not be? Everyone had a right to their skepticism.

“May I say something?”