The Dragon King
Chapter 18 ~Wish I Had Some Popcorn

Aurora’s POV ~

It’s been three weeks since the notification went out to all the weyr Alphas.. of the twenty emails I sent, only thirteen had responded.. all in the negative of having any contact with Michaelson. The trial is due to commence in the morning.. and I was only informed today of the council’s decision to appoint legal representation for him.

I was notified I had to turn over all evidence to one Squire Reynolds for review.. in the interest of full disclosure. I am beyond pissed. Not because he has representation.. because the council deliberately dragged their heels in appointing someone. I am sure Councilman Thompson is behind it.. but my hands are tied.

Connie, Albert, and I scrambled to get everything together.. but we did it. Full disclosure, as ordered. Didn’t make me any less pissed!

Draco and I walked into the hearing chambers twenty minutes ahead of schedule, so I can set everything up. Connie sits beside me, while all five victims sat in the back with Draco.

An elderly man walked in and introduced himself as Reynolds, apologizing for the late evidentiary requests. He was only told of the appointment yesterday. I wonder what the council is really up to, with this tactic.

Once council was seated, we were asked to give opening statements.. as the plaintiffs, I was to begin. I stood and walked to the front of the room. Surprised to see a full house. All the weyr Alphas and Betas were in attendance. Curiouser and curiouser..

I began “Esteemed Council, I intend to prove crimes against humanity, perpetrated over a period of many years.. far and beyond the time such practices had been outlawed. Alpha Ernest Michaelson of Lightning Weyr deliberately and blatantly ignored the law.. and disregarded the edict that all disciplinary torture was to cease. Charges were filed… by this very council over a year ago.. but before Michaelson could be served notice, he was obviously warned and absconded. Searches for him have been futile, therefore, I move he be tried in Absentia.” And I sat down.

Reynolds stood.. in what I assumed would be rebuttal.. a ruckus exploded outside the doors.. and a man pushed through.. “Councilman, I am Squire Andrew Johnston, legal representative of Alpha Ernest Michaelson.. and I request a continuance of this trial, until such a time as agreed upon by the courts. I have had no time to go over the evidence.. or to depose the witnesses.”

I stood immediately “I object! It has been twenty one days since the blanket notice was filed. The allotted time for answering response is twenty days.. and Alpha Michaelson couldn’t be reached. Where is he now? Why has he not appeared before you? He has court appointed council ready to move on this hearing.”

Reynolds cleared his throat and said “In actuality, I was about to request continuance, as well. I haven’t had enough time to wade through the evidence, as yet, either.”

I notice a smirk on Thompson’s face and all the pieces started falling into place. I mind linked Draco and told him to watch Thompson. He gave an imperceptible nod.

Councilman Andrews said “At this new development, a continuance will be granted for a period of ten days. This court will reconvene on that date at nine a.m”

I stood again “With all due respect, Councilmen, will Squire Johnston produce his client in person on that date, or do we proceed in absentia?”

And Thompson said “Squire Heartsong, don’t put the cart before the horse. I am afraid we are in a wait and see situation, as it stands.”

Draco stood to his feet and said “My mate is more polite than I am.. Michaelson WILL appear.. or I will remove your authority in this case.. by inciting the rights of species Monarchy, and will try him in the courts of MY kingdom! Are we understood, gentlemen?”

All of them responded with “Yes, King Arconium” and we left the courtroom. I thought I was pissed! Nope! My mate is literally breathing out smoke, which lets everyone know Donnaugh is breathing fire. They all knew they were about to fuck up.. big time!

We went to have lunch in the diner next to the capitol building. I was rubbing Draco’s back to calm him down, when a shadow crossed our table. Looking up, I internally groaned.

Amelia sneered “I see you just had to have my mate! Had to get back at me.. like you always do. You really are pathetic, you know!”

I smiled and said “Luna lessons are going well, I see! And, just so you know.. that was what is known as sarcasm! I didn’t HAVE to have anything. I actually rejected your mate three years ago. My mate was blessed to me by the Goddess, after the six month repression of his former bond had expired.”

Her nasally voice was grating on me as she said “You have always been jealous of me! Everyone treats me better.. knows I’m prettier.. every man I meet wants me and you hated that! So, you did the one thing you knew would get back at me! You took what is mine!” She reached to touch Draco.

He jerked his arm away and snarled “NEVER touch me! You have got to be the most basic slut I have ever seen! Aurora is eons above you, in every way! She saved herself for her mate! She is the purest woman I have ever known.. in heart, mind, body and soul! I doubt you have any part of you that is! I smell at least four men on you, right now! Your poor mate sent you here to be a Luna.. not even a Better Luna! Just a Luna, with manners! And you are obviously fucking your way through your courses! I will be informing your Alpha of how well you are educating yourself. Now leave, skank! Before you taint our meal!”

She turned and ran from the diner, while everyone in there busted out laughing. I’m flabbergasted. I mean.. I knew what she was doing.. but Damn! My dude called her on it! Holy shit!

He leaned over, breathing in my scent.. and I felt him calming down. He said “She almost touched me! I was afraid my arm would fall off!” And that’s what broke me. I laughed so hard I snorted.

We enjoyed our burgers and fries.. and sent our people home on the plane. I had to stay for an appointment tomorrow with Johnston.. and Draco wants to talk to him anyway.

Back in our suite, I took a shower and slipped on some comfy sweats. When I came out of our bedroom, Draco was just getting off the phone “I called Adrian to let him know of today’s fiasco and then I spoke to Caleb and Anderson. They are driving up. Should be here in an hour or so. Amelia’s parents are being dragged along. Should make for an interesting evening.” I grinned and hugged him.. just gonna enjoy the fireworks. I actually do feel a little bad for Anderson.. but com se com sa. Que sera’ sera’! Wish I had some popcorn!