An unexpected twist
Just as the guards grabbed at Lady Jade's arms, the queen swept into the throne room, her regal presence commanding attention. But her gaze was drawn to the commotion at the far end of the room. The guards led by Commander Li-Chen had Lady Jade surrounded, their hands grasping her arms to drag her away to the dungeons.
"STOP!" The queen commanded, her voice ringing out across the room. "Remove your hands from Lady Jade's person at once!"
The guards hesitated, unsure of what to do. Commander Li-Chen stepped forward, her face set in a determined expression.
"But, Your Majesty" She protested, "The king himself gave the order for Lady Jade to be thrown into the dungeon. Are you..... going against the king's wishes?"
Queen Mei-Ling's eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a harsh tone for the first time "How dare you question my authority, Commander? You had better know your place"
The Commander's face fell and she humbled herself, her voice barely above a whisper "Forgive me, Your Majesty, I only meant to point out that Lady Jade has been proven to be a traitor, you shouldn't be fooled by her....."
The queen cut her off, her voice sounding authoritative and harsh "Do you think I or the king a fool, Commander? Do you think we're so easily deceived?"
Commander Li-Chen's face went white and she bowed low, her voice trembling, "No, Your Majesty. Far be such thoughts from me. I would rather die than think such atrocities"
The king who had been silently watching the exchange stepped forward, his face bewildered, "My dear, why did you stop the guards from carrying out my orders? What reasons do you have for intervening?"
The queen's gaze never wavered from the commander but her voice was directed at the king "I will explain my reasons, my lord. But first, I would like to know the evidence been used to conclude that Lady Jade is guilty. What is the proof of her treason?" She asked.
Then the queen turned to look at the king "My lord, until proven guilty, a prisoner is innocent" She stated, her voice firm but measured "Would it not be a great injustice to the accused if every available lead is not investigated?"
The king's expression changed from curiosity to intrigue "Have you received new information regarding Lady Jade's case?" He asked, his voice tinged with interest.
The queen nodded, a small smile playing on her lips, "Yes, indeed, I have, my lord"
The king's face lit up with understanding "Indeed, it would be an injustice to the accused if any new lead on a case is not investigated" He said. Turning to the guards, he ordered, "Let go of the prisoner. We will investigate this new information and determine Lady Jade's fate accordingly"
As the guards released Lady Jade, the king turned to the queen, his curiosity piqued "Very well, my dear. You've piqued my interest. Present this new lead you have discovered"
The queen nodded, a determined glint in her eyes, "I would be happy to, my lord but first I require some answers from the commander"
The commander's eyes widened in surprise, her face pale with anger. She had expected to be the one in control, not the one to be interrogated. She glanced at the king hoping he would support her in refusing to be questioned.
But the king's expression was stern "You will show respect to your queen. Answer her questions"
The commander's face twisted in anger but she knew better than to defy the king openly. She bowed, her voice tight with resentment "As you wish, Your Majesty"
The queen's gaze met the king's "Very well. Before I begin, I must request that my lord read this letter" She handed a letter to him, her eyes locked on his "Please read it without remarking on it till I am done questioning the commander"
The king's eyes rose in curiosity but he nodded and collected the letter from her "Very well my dear. Proceed with your questions"
The queen's attention returned to the commander "Commander Li-Chen, I believe you have information that would shed new light on Lady Jade's case. Tell the court what you know"
The Commander's expression became smug, her voice dripping with self righteousness "The palace has been abuzz with rumors of Your Majesty's alleged disloyalty. Out of duty, I informed the king who ordered me to investigate and root out the culprits. And as a result of my diligent efforts, Lady Jade was arrested based on the testimony of reliable sources"
The queen's eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a sharp edge "I want to know the names of these reliable sources, commander"
The commander hesitated, her eyes darting to the king before returning to the queen "Su-Yang, the palace gardener..... Lady Han-Feng... and Courtier Lee"
The queen's expression was inscrutable, her voice neutral "I see" She said.
She then turned to the king, her eyes locked on his while still addressing the commander "With all due respect, Commander Li-Chen, I put it to you that you are the originator of these rumors"
The court erupted into shocked gasps and murmurs, the king's face included. The Commander's face turned beet red with rage.
"How dare you" She spluttered "Why would I stoop so low? I am a celebrated officer, loyal to the king and the crown"
The king's expression turned cautious, his voice measured "My dear, perhaps you should tread carefully. These are serious accusations"
The queen's eyes turned to face the king again "I assure you my lord, I have evidence to support my claims and I shall see justice served"
The king stared at his wife in admiration and nodded "Okay, my dear. You may proceed"