Valen! she thought—if only you were here!
The big Kindred might not be interested in a long-term relationship with her, but she was certain he wouldn’t let her get sent away to prison. If only…
The next case was called—a Ma’shorkan man had been accused of shoplifting or “purloining without payment” as the guard who held him called his offense. But this time, when the judge called on the Court Defender to speak for the man, the defendant spoke up quickly.
“Your Justness, if it please the Court, I have my own Defender and have no need of the Court Defender’s services,” he said.
“Very well.” The judge nodded equably. “Let’s hear from him, then.”
Another Ma’shorkan stood up, this one dressed in a dark blue tunic and trousers.
“Your Justness, my client intended to pay for the goods he purloined,” he said smoothly. “But as he was about to do so, he got a call to say that a good friend of his had been in an accident. He had to rush out of the shop to go to his friend’s aid and he completely forgot to pay. So you see, he is not a thief—his is, in fact, simply a good and loyal friend. And he is ready and willing today to pay the price of the goods he accidentally took if your Justness will only allow it.”
The judge considered for a moment and then nodded.
“Very well—that seems reasonable to me.” He blew his silver bugle and then declared, “You are hereby ordered to pay for the purloined goods at once and then you are free to go.” He pointed at the Ma’shorkan defendant. “Do not let me see you in my courtroom again, young man!”
“Yes, your Justness. Thank you, your Justness.” The Ma’shorkan defendant bowed hastily. “I’ll go pay right now.”
“See that you do,” the judge grumbled. “Case dismissed. Now, do we have anyone else? I hope not, for I am extremely hungry! It’s past time for my Midday meal!”
Oh no! Selena cringed inwardly. Not only was she going before a judge who had demonstrated himself to be a horrible misogynist, but he was also getting hangry!
“We have one more, your Justness,” Yorbus called out.
“Forgive us, but it’s a matter of royal importance,” Gonadal added.
The judge gave a long-suffering sigh and kicked his feet deeper into the stirrups that kept him in the high stool he was perched on.
“Oh, very well. But make it quick!”
“Thank you, your Justness.” The two palace guards dragged Selena roughly down to stand in front of the judge’s high stool. He peered down at her, with a frown on his face.
“What’s this? Her breasts are covered but I see no Seal! Is she an Independent Female? If so, where is her Seal?”
Selena’s heart sank down to her toes. How could she have forgotten that her breasts were covered? She should have pulled down her loose V-necked t-shirt while she had the chance. But now she was standing there, indecent by Ma’shorkan standards, and Yorbus and Gonadal had her by the arms, making it impossible for her to move to uncover herself!
“Sorry, your Justness! We caught her like this,” Yorbus said.
“She was in the spaceport trying to escape to the Kindred Mother Ship,” Gonadal added.
“I see. And what crime was she trying to escape from?” the judge asked, glaring at Selena sternly.
“I didn’t commit any crime!” Selena wanted to shout. But she held her tongue grimly. She was waiting for the right moment to speak—if there was a right moment in a court like this one.
“Your Justness, she came to the Royal Gala with the express purpose of stealing one of Empress the Third’s nipple jewels.” Yorbus proclaimed.
“But we caught her before she could get on the shuttle with it,” Gonadal added. “And brought her straight to the High Court, just as Empress the Third ordered.”
“Well, well—this is a wretched crime indeed!” The judge peered down his nose at Selena in disgust. “Not only was she attempting to lighten the mass of our beloved planet, she also stole from a Royal! This must be punished! Would you not agree, Court Defender?” he added, turning to the Ma’shorkan Defender.
“Oh, absolutely, your Justness.” The Defender nodded eagerly.
“Then, I here by sentence you—” the judge began, looking back down at Selena.
“Wait, your Honor—I mean, your Justness!” she gasped. If there was any chance at all, she had to speak now. “I request my own Defender,” she said rapidly and added, “Please,” hoping it would help.
The judge sat back on his stool, frowning deeply.
“I see. And who is this Defender of yours, young lady?” he demanded.
“His name is Valen and he is a Kindred Defender who works regularly at the High Court,” Selena said quickly. “He has been acting as my Master while I was here on Ma’shorka Centra and I know he’ll defend me if I can just get word to him.”