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Dominilde stood before her would-be executioner, and kept her head held high. They wouldn’t get to her so easily. Bernulf had taught Bernegilde many things, but the first and most essential lesson was simple. Never give in. No matter how hard things became, surrender would worsen them.
Bernulf had always liked a fight. Maybe that was why he’d taught Bernegilde so. He was a traditional kind of man, expecting respect as her Sire, and yet encouraging her to argue. He liked the challenge, she thought, and to feel he had earned her obedience. Like him, she knew where to strike for the most damage.
This trial seemed to her to be more a farce than anything. Oh, they would end her if they could. Her accusers were deadly serious. But they knew nothing of her, nor of what she had done. Dominilde hadn’t committed the crimes they accused her of. They had no idea how little they knew of her, and that amused her greatly. Bernulf would have found the whole thing hilarious.
She made eye contact with Florence as her charges were read, and smiled to see her quiver, an action which made her tremble still more. Florence had no idea what she was getting into. Maybe she thought she was coming out on top, but she had no idea of even half of what Dominilde, let alone Bernegilde, was capable of. No part of her would let betrayal slide.
The moment came, and she walked to the dias. The magic swirled around her, but she stood strong. She knew she would be fine. After all, that part of the magic which sought out guilt would find none in her. The rest of it sought out weakness, but she had enough strength in her to resist. Her own magic would soon overpower that of the trial, and then they would have no choice but to let her go.
Florence would certainly be afraid then. They had known each other well enough for Florence to know how far she might go for revenge. What a pity that that hadn’t stopped her from betraying her. Florence had seen more of her than most, in literal terms as well as romantic metaphors. They had shared many beds. Now, she would never let Florence rest easy again. Vengeance would be hers.