Fangless: The Alpha's Vampire Mate
Chapter 63: A Circus Under the Blood Moon

Chapter 63: A Circus Under the Blood Moon

The grand hall buzzed with hushed whispers and piercing stares. The air was thick with anticipation.

Riona stood tall with Thorin’s reassuring presence beside her. She knew the weight of the moment rested on her shoulders.

Everyone was watching her every move, and they anticipated a good show. Some vampires blatantly turned their bodies towards her to see what kind of mess she would do this time.

No one expected her to succeed in anything she wanted to do. In fact, Riona also doubted she could overcome her fear of her uncle. However, this was her only option now.

It was now or never.

She clenched her fists and said, "Your Majesty, I’d like to report an injustice committed by your lady and your daughter."

King Valentin’s eyes bore into her. She felt suffocated by that single glare. She had to give it to the king—he stuck to his habit of saying nothing and just staring at her.

Riona wet her lips and began, "Your Majesty, I’m sure you have heard about the petition made by several nobles against my admission to the Nightwarden. With all due respect, I believe it is only just that you do not grant it."

Murmurs erupted in waves. Riona couldn’t catch every single word, but it was clear that everyone took her words as an act of defiance. They condemned her for her audacity.

The audience’s criticism meant nothing to her. It was usually so.

However, this time, she needed them to be in her favor to drive her case. Without public backing, King Valentin would have no reason to reject the petition immediately.

"The Nightwarden is a reputable organization. For generations, the Nightwarden has fulfilled its duty to protect the Kingdom of Eira." Sir Kai appeared, walking towards them with firm strides.

He carried himself with confidence and a strong sense of justice, his jaw clenched as he moved forward.

"Riona Kahler has earned her place as a Nightwatch Novice fairly. Taking that from her would sully our honor as knights and protectors of this realm."

Just as they had rehearsed, Sir Kai took out the original documentation of Riona’s score results during the Trial. He showed the bystanders to obtain their support.

"She excelled in every test. Despite the unlawful move Princess Lisbeth made to stop Riona from winning, she thrived and came out on top."

The mere mention of Lisbeth’s name sent another wave of murmurs among the nobles. They were shocked, but most were curious about the princess’s role in this conflict.

"Yet, the princess wouldn’t let go. Riona stood up for herself and demanded a rectification of the result, which led to the official sparring."

Sir Kai took out another scroll detailing testimonies he had collected about the sparring and went around to show it to everyone again.

"As you can see on the parchment, testimonies suggest that Riona won again. This just proves how talented she is and what a loss this kingdom would suffer if the petition were granted."

Sir Kai’s voice roared throughout the grand hall. He was an excellent orator, leading the audience like sheep into adopting his beliefs and principles.

Riona prayed that Sir Kai would never stray from the right path, otherwise this kingdom would meet its doom.

King Valentin lifted his chin slightly. It was very subtle, but Riona noticed. The king was furious. He despised anyone who pointed out his mistakes publicly. And right now, Sir Kai was telling everyone what Princess Lisbeth had done to Riona.

The princess was an extension of King Valentin, making her fault his as well.

Lisbeth could be seen shivering several feet behind the king. She knew that, despite King Valentin’s efforts to cover up for her, she would never escape his retribution. She would pay a high price for being found out.

Lady Maris approached the king and slipped her hand into his, intertwining their fingers. The king appeared significantly calmer as their skin touched.

She was smiling, but the humor didn’t reach her eyes. They were dull, and there seemed to be a hidden tension behind her gaze.

"Sir Kai, I’m sure your intentions are well-meaning, and I understand your concern. I also believe that this matter shouldn’t be taken lightly. Therefore, let His Majesty and his council discuss the next move," Lady Maris said calmly.

Sir Kai had anticipated this, so he knew how to respond. "With all due respect, Lady Maris, is there anything lacking in the evidence? If not, shouldn’t this matter be concluded right here and now? I don’t see any need for more time for discussions."

The veins around Lady Maris’s temple bulged, but she remained calm. "With all due respect, Sir Kai, testimonies are not reliable enough without proper investigations."

At that moment, another person stepped forward. Thorin opened his mouth and declared, "I was there until the end of the sparring. You and His Majesty were there, too. Tell me, Lady Maris, did you not see Riona winning? If the written testimonies are not reliable, what about our testimonies?"

The grand hall was once again filled with gasps and loud whispers.

The nobles, who had retreated from the venue during Riona’s confrontation with Lisbeth’s ice prison, were largely unaware of Riona’s subsequent retaliation. Thorin’s witness account came as a huge shock.

Riona hoped Thorin’s bold stance could sway public opinion in her favor.

To aid Thorin’s position against King Valentin and Lady Maris, Count Charles lent his voice as well.

"Lady Maris, while I respect the need for a thorough investigation, I must agree with Sir Kai and Thorin. The evidence presented here tonight leaves little doubt about Riona’s victory. Delaying a decision could imply a bias or reluctance to acknowledge the truth."

Lady Maris maintained her composed demeanor. "Count Charles, I assure you, my concern is not about the truth itself, but about ensuring a fair and just process. Hastiness in such matters can lead to unforeseen consequences."

"Your Majesty, if I may speak," Lord Seymour approached the group and bowed.

Riona gritted her teeth, suppressing her anger toward him. That lowly noble should have stood by her side, not against her! She was certain he betrayed her for wealth, influenced by his upper-class friends who could offer more than Riona ever could.

With nods of approval from Lady Maris, he began, "While Riona may have won in combat, her actions suggest a disregard for royal authority. Allowing her to join the Nightwarden would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the kingdom’s stability."

The other nobles nodded in agreement. How easily these bystanders switched sides with mere words!

Count Horace, another traitor, added, "Your Majesty, the accusations of treason are serious and cannot be ignored. The petition to prevent Riona from joining the Nightwarden must proceed."

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