They realised that they had to go through this; there was no other choice. Their eyes fell on the hissing flames of the torches and shimmering water in the buckets.
And so, gathering their courage, they stepped towards the royal guards, touching the flame or letting a few drops of water fall upon their skin.
SIZZLE… SIZZLE… Trails of vapour rose from all of them. However, in the end, the fire didn't take them, nor did the water.
Make no mistake; these people were corrupt to their bones. Greedy, self-serving, and guilty of the usual rot of politics. They had committed many crimes. That said, their only redeemable aspect was that they hadn't crossed a certain incorrigible line. Not like Malmond, not like the demon seed bearers.
While the nobles were going through the trials, from behind Reinhardt, the Queen stepped forward.
"As head of this nation, it is my duty to prove my innocence before my subjects." Her voice was quiet, but it cut through the chamber like a blade.
