19
Marisa stood rigid and erect outside the main hall after showering and getting into her crisp, clean uniform. She no longer had a keycard, any keys, or her radio, but she did have her staff. Carlo and Vadik stood blocking her way. She tried to ignore her bound hands and that her only friend on the guard was about to hear all about her shameful actions. Finally, after a full hour, the staffs were uncrossed and the large, heavy doors swung open. She walked down the long purple path to the king and queen on their thrones, stern faces watching her the whole way. The hall was empty except for the two royals, Christian, and the court reporter. The captain of the guard stood board straight at the bottom of the stage, his gaze seeming to light on nothing, but Marisa knew better. He was watching her.
She knelt before the royals at the bottom of the stage, at the end of the purple carpet runner. “Rise, royal castle guard Donati and face your accusers.”
She stood, her mouth in a firm line. This was it. The moment she would be sentenced to die. The court reporter sat in a corner, the tap-tapping sound of computer keys recording every word that would condemn her. “You have been accused of treason by way of leading a villain into our secure parts of the castle, giving her the opportunity to drug you and cause you to divulge royal castle secrets that gave her the opportunity to injure and attempt to kidnap the king, steal precious royal jewels, and alter a document that would have proven the end of the Fiorelli rule. What say ye to the charges?”
What could she say? The truth was that she was guilty. “Guilty as charged.” She thought she’d feel some relief in admitting this out loud to the royals, but there was none to be felt. The reality of her situation sunk deep in her bones. She would never feel Christian’s hand on hers again. Never feel his lips kiss her. Never see her family again. Never make the personal guard.
“Will you not defend yourself?” The king demanded. She looked up, puzzled. He seemed… irritated with her.
But there was nothing she could do. “All that you say is true. I have no defense.” An ache settled in her gut, like she’d just swallowed a ten pound weight.
“While you may believe that is true, I have heard evidence to the contrary.” Marisa’s jaw dropped. The king turned to the high royal clerk and said, “Let the witness come forth.”
A side door opened and in walked Tara, hands bound and head hanging, followed by two royal prison guardsmen. What was this? Marisa’s heart thrummed against her ribs and she wondered if she’d ever be able to breathe again.
Tara told the story of that night in its entirety. Marisa couldn’t stop the tears from rushing out of her eyes as Tara spoke. It was like she was hearing a story about someone else. That girl that accompanied Tara into the castle was not her. Not Marisa. Her skin tingled, and dizziness swept over her time and time again, but she was able to keep her footing.
Once Tara’s story ended, she was escorted out of the chamber. She mouthed the words, “I’m sorry,” to Marisa.
“I have heard all the evidence and am ready to rule,” the king said. The sound of the court reporter’s keys tapping halted momentarily. “You made a serious error—allowing yourself to be manipulated by enemies of the state.”
Marisa steeled herself for the verdict. She’d told herself she was ready for this, but now that she was facing it, her heart quailed.
“However—” The king paused, and Marisa’s heart leapt out of her chest. However?
“However, you did not willingly commit treason, and in fact did everything in your power to prevent it. You were careless, allowing yourself to be drugged, but you did not knowingly permit enemies of the state to enter the castle.
“In fact, I am convinced that any guard could have been tricked and drugged and forced into revealing castle secrets—a security problem Captain Di Stefano and I will now be discussing at length. What I am not convinced of, is whether any guard would have done all that you have done to protect and serve your king and country.” Marisa dared to look at him and found that he was smiling down at her.
“Therefore, I find you innocent of the charge of treason.”
Marisa’s knees went weak. Gratitude swept over her. Innocent. Tears coursed down her face; she couldn’t help it.
“Marisa Donati, by all accounts you are our most skilled guard. You have done a great service for this country, and for that I spare your life. Nevertheless, your mistakes, foolishness, and poor judgment cannot go unanswered. You are hereby stripped of all privileges, associations, and contracts with the royal guard and are banned from ever resubmitting yourself.”
It was like she’d been shot. A moment ago she’d feared death, but this somehow felt even worse. Her whole life draining away, but she did not slouch, she kept her shoulders back and her head held high.
“I have no doubt you will find something to do that suits your particular talents. I am sure the general would welcome you with open arms.”
She shivered, not because she didn’t love her father and want to be accepted by him, but because it would be a step backwards for her. Having to embrace her father’s help to clear her name was bad enough. She would not go to him for a job.
“And we would love to see you from time to time at events at the castle. Don’t hesitate to stop in occasionally and fill us in on your life. We are not naïve enough to believe that if you hadn’t become Tara’s pawn, someone else would have. I dare say that we are glad it was you, because without you, we would not be sitting where we are today.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“You are free to go. Please sign the ruling on your way out and turn in all the remainder of your uniform and gear to the captain before you go.”
She nodded, clicked her heels as she turned to go, and walked down the long path to her new life without the royal guard.
The heavy doors opened and before they could close, Carlo abandoned his post and hugged her tight. It was a true testament to their friendship that Marisa would never forget. “Congratulations. I know it wasn’t the perfect outcome, and we’ll miss you, but I’m so glad you won’t be executed.”
“Thank you,” she said, pulling away from him. “Now, get back to your post before the captain of the guard discovers your lack in protocol.”
He winked at her. “See you at Murazzi’s?”
“Not on your life,” she said, chuckling and walking down the hall to her changing room.