A.N: Hey guys!

So here come the chapter you have all been waiting for, the part two of the trial. I will most likely update once a week (every Thursday) from now on as I'm super busy and my beta is too plus you want quality right? It may happen that I update twice a week but I can't be sure so please don't count on that BUT it will be at least once a week I promise.

On another note, my friend Shadowkissed23 wrote a great VA story called 'my worst nightmare' it's really good and I'm sure you'll get hooked if you give it a try.

Well I really hope you'll enjoy this chapter. Thanks to all my reviewers and Jessa for her fantastic proofreading job as well as her enthusiasm for my stories.

Please don't forget to review I LOVE reading you guys.

Take care,

Steffy.

Chapter 4B:

Abe nodded as he opened a green file. I recognized the annotations on the side as Adrian's. Nobody could write as badly as him.

"In the case of Mills vs. Lazar, referenced as 2001-03-346 which Damon Tarus defended - he's a good community lawyer by the way," said Abe with a big smile that made me groan. "Well it was clearly stated that - in case of grave accusations, which could lead to a verdict of life imprisonment and/or death - the defense lawyer should be offered the opportunity to use more liberal ways to prove the innocence of his client; this even includes hypnosis. So, why not compulsion?"

"Not that I object Your Honor. Apparently Mr. Mazur did his homework," said Iris with a smug smiled that disappeared almost immediately as her eyes connected with Abe's.

I'll sleep with one eye open during the next year if I were you biatch, I thought suddenly proud to have a Mobster Boss for a father.

She shook her head. "Anyways, we all know that Moroi compulsion doesn't work on dhampirs. We ALL know that."

"Yes, that is true for common Moroi. But we all know that Spirit Users have a sort of 'super compulsion' that even works on other Moroi… We could try it out on Ms. Kane if she wants.''

I really didn't like the path this argument was taking. There were only two Spirit Users that I knew of in this room, and I hated the idea of having either of them involved in this mess.

Iris glared at Abe and pursed her lips. The Judge looked around and listened to the whispers from the Council Members. She finally locked her brown eyes on me as if she was trying to find the answer in my eyes. I could see that most of them - not even including Iris the pit-bull - were hostile toward me, but she didn't look like them. She actually seemed to believe me.

She sighed looking at Abe again. "Do you have any Spirit User ready and willing to get involved?"

"Yes," I heard two voices shout. Two voices that I knew only too well . . . Lissa and Adrian. I growled and closed my eyes. Which part of 'not getting involved' did they not get? I thought angrily.

"No talking without being invited to do so," warned Paula. "So?"

"Well, as you can see Paul- Your Honor, I have two Spirit Users more than willing to help us."

The Judge nodded her head, apparently lost in her thoughts again. "Fine I shall allow it."

"But they're on her side! They can fake it!" shouted Iris jumping from her chair. "That's not fair."

"You're out of line Ms. Kane," shouted the Judge.

Go Team Paula! I thought doing my best not to smile.

"This is my Courtroom! These are my rules! I've already given you a lot of liberties based on pure presumptions. Don't push your luck!" she added coldly making Iris blush with both anger and embarrassment. "It's easy to see if it's true compulsion by checking the irises - no pun intended- of the compelled subject. If they are fully dilated, the subject is under total compulsion. Everybody knows that Ms. Kane, unless you failed high school biology."

I heard some snickers from the public behind me.

"You can appoint one of your assistants to monitor Ms. Hathaway's irises during the interrogation." She turned to Abe again. "However, in order to be fair, you will have to let the prosecution use the Spirit User for their cross-examination."

Iris grinned as she sat down, probably already thinking of the questions she could ask in her attempt to ruin my life. I was pretty sure that she intended to destroy me even if I was proven not guilty of the Queen's murder. I really didn't get why that woman hated me so much.

Abe didn't lose his smile or the winning glint in his eyes. "Of course, Your Honor. If you don't mind, I must tell you how much I admire your fairness."

The Judge just dismissed him with a gesture of her hand. Suck up! I thought.

"That's a very, VERY bad idea," I whispered urgently as Abe sat back beside me. "I . . . did some stuff I'm not particularly proud of. Some stuff that might make end me up in this courtroom again."

He looked at me curiously before flashing me his evil smile. "You're my kid, you have my genes. I don't expect anything less. Don't worry, I figured that much and saw the whole cross-examination coming. Give me some credit."

"What I want to give you is a black eye for getting them involved. Not to mention probably helping the freaking Council throw me back in jail for treason anyways," I whispered looking back at the Judge.

"So…." she trailed off looking at Abe.

"Oh yes, of course," he chuckled. "I call Guardian Rose Hathaway to the witness stand," he said just as Mikhail helped me up.

I swore the oath and sat down, back straight and head high.

"I'm sorry to insist Your Honor, but I don't think my assistants are really qualified to determine and testify if she is truly under compulsion," said Iris, but this time her tone was a lot less smug. Maybe she was starting to realize that it wouldn't be as easy as she thought.

The Judge sighed with clear exasperation and leaned toward Rufus Ivashkov, whispering something in his ear. He looked at the public and nodded before calling a Guardian over. He quickly talked to him and the Guardian exited the room in a flash.

I was starting to get sweaty palms. It only happened when I was overly stressed, and that was pretty rare, but I was so scared about letting something about Victor slip I was almost physically sick. I was already so messed up that I decided to open the bond again. It wasn't like things could get any worse.

DAMN IT ROSE, LISTEN TO ME! I heard Lissa shout through the bond. Now I repeat if you hear me touch your bun.

I raised my hand and touched my bun, almost shocked by Lissa's anger.

She sighed. Damn you. Why did you have to block the bond? I thought I would have to make a dramatic exit for you to open it again.

I just stared ahead as the Judge told me my examination would start in a couple of minutes. Adrian was standing by me, but I was ignoring him. I couldn't believe he hid this element from me. Compelling me in front of a full Court was insane, and they knew it!

It will be okay Rose. Leave the bond open during cross-examination. You need to concentrate on my voice, my voice only, and it will be just fine.

Yes, since you've tested it and all! I thought with heavy sarcasm even if she couldn't hear me.

Did you hear me Rose? If yes, scratch your nose. She seemed so calm, it was odd for her. She was the worrier.

I reached up and scratched my nose.

Don't worry; I have a charm that enhances my compulsion. If you concentrate on my voice in your head, Adrian's compulsion will be weak. You'll be able to override it. I could feel her absolute trust in that.

And you know that how…? I thought cursing the one way bond.

The Guardian came back in with a man I thought was a doctor.

"Here, to make you happy Ms. Kane, we asked Doctor Verdi, the head of the Court Clinic, to monitor the compulsion. Do you have any other remarks to share?" asked the Judge, but her tone was clearly saying 'so help me God if you open it!'

"No thank you. It's perfect Your Honor," Iris mumbled as she looked down at the floor.

Dr. Verdi took a spot on my right, keeping his eyes locked on mine.

"Lord Ivashkov," invited the Judge.

Adrian nodded thoughtfully as he walked lazily to me. I sent him a quick, nasty glare just to show him that I was pissed. "I'm sorry," he whispered stopping in front of me, but I ignored him.

"Look into my eyes Rose," he said loud and clear. I stared into his beautiful emerald eyes and got lost in them. "Rose tell me did you kill the Queen?"

"No, I would never do that."

"What was your opinion of her?"

"She was a heartless bitch ninety-five percent of the time. But I think we had an understanding that other people didn't see."

"Have you ever wished for her death?" he asked his voice hypnotic.

"Yes, I did. But I didn't really mean it."

"The last time you were seen with the Queen you argued. You stated, and I quote, 'you'll regret it. Just wait and see.' That sounded like a threat. What did you mean?"

"I meant that there would be a lot of death. The novices wouldn't be ready, causing the Moroi to be poorly protected. I also expected an uprising."

"Please, now can you tell me about the argument concerning the relationship you have with me? Some might think that would give you a reason to kill her."

I actually had to laugh at that one. "The Queen wasn't as opposed to our relationship as some might think. It's not like we're about to get married. She knew I cared a lot about you, that it wasn't for your name or money . . . She was satisfied enough with that," I said cursing myself to have said so much.

"Who do you love Rose?" he asked before being almost immediately interrupted by Abe nudging him out of the way.

"Thank you Lord Ivashkov. I think we have what we need here," said Abe glaring and I understood the last question wasn't planned.

I couldn't believe that Adrian tried to turn this trial into a lie detector concerning our relationship. He was lucky that we were in a courtroom, or I would've slapped him for that.

The Judge turned to the Doctor. "What's your opinion?"

"I'm almost certain that Guardian Hathaway was in a compelled state the entire duration of that examination."

The Judge nodded, "You may sit down Mr. Mazur." She turned to Iris, "Ms. Kane do you have any questions?"

"Oh yes!" she said almost jumping out of her seat, making me cringe.

"Ms. Hathaway," she said clearly dropping the Guardian title. She turned to Adrian. "What is the thing you are the most ashamed of?" she asked with an evil glint in her eyes.

"How is that relevant?" asked Adrian so defensively that it made me smile. He was a cutie.

"Your Honor, he is only a tool for this examination. His opinion is unwelcome," said Iris offended. "And it's a judgment of character, it's important."

"You're out of line Lord Ivashkov. You're certainly not invited to comment. If you're unhappy with that . . ." warned the Judge.

He nodded. "Look into my eyes again Rose," he said softly with his hypnotizing voice. "Rose, tell me, what is the thing you are the most ashamed of?"

Lissa stayed startlingly silent in my head. "I've let a Strigoi feed from me repeatedly," I said with defeat.

I heard some people gasp and Iris gleamed with victory.

You're so dead Ivashkov, I thought glaring at Adrian.

"In what circumstances did you feed that Strigoi?" he continued.

"Your Honor!" shrieked Iris. "I didn't ask that question!"

"Well to be fair, this question seems to be an essential follow up to the previous question if we are trying to establish a judgment of character," said Princess Ozera.

Okay it was official. She was, astonishingly, on my side. I thought surprised.

Rufus grunted loudly, but stayed quiet.

"Fine, but don't take anymore liberties Lord Ivashkov. We have another Spirit User to replace you if need be," said the Judge with a cold voice.

"Rose under what circumstances did you feed that Strigoi?" he repeated

Thanks Asshat! I really wanted to relive those memories! I thought angrily. "While I was being held hostage by that Strigoi."

I heard some whispering, it was clearly pity. I hated that I looked around and met Dimitri's troubled eyes. I quickly looked away, concentrating on Adrian's eyes again.

"Have you ever fed a Moroi?" she asked quickly, repeated by Adrian.

"Yes."

"Do you consider these feedings degrading? Do you regret them?" Adrian repeated the question, and I didn't miss the eagerness in his voice. He wanted to know if I regretted what we shared a bit more than a week ago.

"No, I don't consider them degrading, and I don't regret them," I said and saw Adrian visibly relax.

"Ms. Hathaway, have you ever done an act that could constitute a crime that could be judged as treasonous?" she asked as Adrian repeated it slowly.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, I keep hearing Lissa repeat in my head over and over again. It was almost hypnotic.

"No," I said with a clear high voice, surprising myself that this little stunt actually worked.

"Are you sure? Nothing that could be considered as highly criminal?"

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, Lissa went on in my head with the same hypnotic voice.

"Yes."

"No acts that-"

"Okay, what are you looking for here?" asked Abe getting up. "What part of 'yes' don't you understand?" he icily threw back her own words.

"Fine!" snapped Iris, "Last question. Did you kill the Queen or participate in the organization of her assassination?"

"No, absolutely not," I said keeping my eyes on Adrian. "I might have had my problems with her, but I never truly wished for her to die."

"I don't have any more questions," said Iris with both anger and defeat.

"You may go back to your seat, Guardian Hathaway," said the Judge.

The members of the Council discussed amongst themselves for a minute. Rufus Ivashkov leaned toward the Judge and whispered something in her ear. She nodded.

"The Court will now retire for the day. The debate will start again tomorrow morning," she said as the members of the Council stood up. "Please take Guardian Hathaway back to her cell. As for you, Ms. Kane and Mr. Mazur, I would like to see you in my office . . . now," she said standing up.

"It was perfect Rose," Abe whispered. "I'll come see you later if I need to tell you anything important."

"Thanks," I whispered back.

It went awesome Rose! Lissa marveled in my head. I quickly turned around and met her eyes.

Don't you agree? she added. I shrugged slightly, diverting my eyes to Liam as he approached.

"Rose," Adrian tried from beside me.

"Walk away Adrian," I growled not looking at him.

"I'm sorry. I had to-"

"Adrian . . ." I trailed off with warning lacing every syllable. "Just go. I don't want to see you now, and not tonight either. Just walk away." I was mad, even if I knew he wasn't the only one to blame. But he was in my head every night. He could have told me. He could have tried to stop Abe from doing that. And he clearly shouldn't have used my murder trial to try to find answers to his personal questions.

"Ro-"

"You heard her, walk away Lord Ivashkov," said Liam from behind him. "I need to take her back to her cell now anyways."

"I just-I love you," whispered Adrian before he stormed out.

I sighed, putting my hands behind my back, like a good girl, for Liam to handcuff me but he didn't. He grabbed my right arm and nudged me forward. "Let's go Hathaway."

Mikhail grabbed my left arm much more softly as we walked out of the courtroom. I kept my head high and eyes on the door. "No manacles?" I asked as we exited the building.

"Do you intend to break into a run?" asked Liam.

"No, not really."

"So we're good," he replied.

We walked silently back to the holding cells.

"Home sweet home," I said sarcastically. "I missed my cell, you know that guys?"

Mikhail smiled, but I didn't manage to get one out of Liam.

"I'll be back in thirty minutes," said Liam after locking the cell door behind me. "I'll bring you food."

"Thank you cupcake," I said falling heavily on the bed. I closed my eyes and draped my arm across them.

"I think that went pretty well," said Mikhail.

"It could have been worse," I admitted. "But the compulsion part . . ." I sighed still so mad.

"You know I- You shouldn't be so mad at him." I jerked up looking at him with incredulity.

"All I'm saying is that it was clear he was reluctant. When you sent him away, you weren't looking, but I was and-" he sighed. "The guy loves you more than anything. You can't imagine what he faced, and will face, in consequence for taking that seat beside Mazur."

I nodded. "I know," I whispered feeling like shit.

"You said Abe was your blood," he tried.

I smiled. "He's my dad."

"Wow . . ." Mikhail chuckled. "That's surely something they didn't see coming."

"I bet on fatherly love," I groaned lying back down again.

"I'll leave you to it," he said nicely.

"Thank you," I said putting my arm over my eyes again.

Maybe I had been too harsh with Adrian. I knew he wouldn't do anything to hurt me. If they came up with that strategy it was probably the only option. I sighed, hoping he wouldn't listen to me. I wanted him to come into my dream tonight so I could ease that guilt.

"Rose there are some people here to see you," said Mikhail with an edge in his voice that made me frown.

"Nah, send them away please. I don't want to see anyone."

"I don't think that'll be possible Ms. Hathaway," said a voice that made me jump off the bed. I stared dumbfounded as Rufus Ivashkov and the Judge were standing in front of my cell.

"I think we need to talk for a minute," added Rufus.

This was it . . . I was dead.