Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 205: The Trial, Part II

Chapter 205: The Trial, Part II

"Evidence?" The judge’s explanation did not dispel the general confusion that settled in Yanad’s mind. "What kind of evidence is that? Who provided it?"

Melania’s heart hammered in her chest. She glanced at Hayim, whose expression mirrored her own disbelief. How had they ended up in this nightmare?

The judge’s gaze bore into the princess with unwavering severity. "Princess Melania Ruan, you stand accused of the grievous crime of infidelity, a transgression against the sanctity of your marriage to Crown Prince Yanad Ruan. What do you have to say about this?"

Melania’s mind raced, grappling with the absurdity of the accusation. She knew she was innocent and yet, somewhere deep inside, she had to admit that she was not surprised.

She shot a desperate glance at Prince Yanad, but his face was a mask of confusion and betrayal.

Valon, seated with the rest of the royal family, curled his thin lips into a smug smirk. He had orchestrated this entire farce, and now he relished in Melania’s anguish.

The judge continued, "Your Highness, evidence has been presented anonymously that suggests your involvement in an illicit affair with the accused, Hayim, the artist sponsored by you repeatedly."

The courtroom buzzed with murmurs of disbelief. Melania’s eyes darted to Valon, who nodded at his assistant standing next to the judge. The prince’s aide handed two damning pieces of evidence—a familiar white envelope that had been already unsealed, and a large square of something sturdy, wrapped loosely in white silk cloth.

’The portrait! I recognize that piece of silk over it... That damned gallery owner must have stolen it from Hayim’s studio!’

The princess looked at the young artist again, his dark brown eyes were glued on the painting in the judge’s hands. She knew what he was thinking; even if the painting did not really mean anything, now, when being dragged into such a serious matter without impartial people to judge them openly, Melania’s portrait painted by him was a rather dangerous piece of evidence.

Without further delay, the old judge opened the white envelope and showed the letter that was hidden inside it to the rest of the audience.

"This appears to be a love letter from Her Highness Princess Melania addressed to Mr. Hayim. Please, Your Highness, examine it and confirm that this is indeed your handwriting."

The man handed the letter over to Prince Yanad who, without even glancing at it, immediately gave it to his wife. Melania hesitated for a moment and after taking a deep breath, began to go over the letter’s contents, her eyes wounding as each word settled in.

"This is... I’ve never written this!"

The letter was outrageously bold but it was definitely fake. She had never sent even a single letter to Hayim, let alone of such ridiculous contents but the fact remained––it was written in her handwriting, denying it would be simply unwise.

’He must have forged it with his alchemy...’ Melania shifted her brown eyes to Prince Valon and offered him an angry grimace, ’Sly bastard... To fall as low as forging a letter!’

"Well, Your Highness? Can you confirm that the letter is in your handwriting?"

The judge offered her an impatient look and the princess had no choice but to nod, "Yes, Your Honor. This is my handwriting. But I’ve never written this letter. This is fake."

Her words were left ignored. Leaning slightly to his side, the judge unwrapped the painting and released a long sigh. Then, he lifted it up so that everyone could see it properly, and turned it over.

"Goodness!"

One of the representatives of the House of Nobles gasped in utter shock.

Indeed, the painting presented by the judge was awe-striking, namely, because it was the portrait of naked Melania.

Yanad clutched his fists, his bright green eyes wandering all over the painting. The princess looked at Hayim again––his eyes were welling with tears.

The painting, just like the letter, was fake. It was a clever copy of the artist’s talent and signature brushstrokes but it was not real nonetheless.

’Who would believe us now? The judge did not even bat an eye when I said the letter was fake, how can I prove our innocence now?’

Melania felt sick. Her entire body began to shake as if she was dipped in ice-cold water while her head was about to split.

It was over. It was over even before it started. Everyone knew that. Everyone but them.

Before Melania could protest again, the judge pronounced his rushed verdict.

"Based on the evidence presented, this court finds Princess Melania Ruan guilty of infidelity."

Yanad’s voice rose in protest; another meek attempt to protect his wife, but the judge silenced him with a stern look. "However, the matter of her punishment shall be left to the discretion of the royal family."

Melania’s heart sank as dread settled over her. She knew Valon would ensure her punishment was severe, regardless of her innocence.

Then, the judge turned his attention to Hayim, his expression grim. "As for the second accused, Hayim, for the crime of laying hands upon a member of the royal family, your punishment shall be swift and severe. Your hands will be severed, and your studio, along with all your works, shall be destroyed by fire."

Gasps echoed through the courtroom as Hayim’s fate was sealed. Melania’s chest tightened with despair. She had unwittingly brought ruin upon the innocent artist. She had destroyed him with her own hands.

As guards led Hayim away, the princess’ resolve shattered. She fell to her knees, her voice trembling with desperation. "Please, don’t do this! He’s innocent! I beg you! Don’t do this, please!"

The judge remained deaf to her pleading so she turned her attention to the royal family and cried again, "He is an artist! How can he create without his hands? How can he work? What will he do now? Please! Show mercy, I’m begging you, please!"

The queen’s voice cut through the chaos, her tone laced with cold authority. "Princess Melania, show some dignity. There must be some of it still left somewhere."

But Melania was beyond dignity. With tears streaming down her cheeks and contracting her throat, she crawled to Yanad’s feet, clutching desperately at his robes.

"How could they... How could they... Animals... Savages... Monsters... All of you... Monsters..."