- Introducing the Judge
Getting the trial organized was a major challenge. While there had been plans to deal with the kidnapper when she was captured, and there were even plans that anticipated a criminal rescuing the Lost Princess. The sheer scale of having Flynn Rider, the second most wanted criminal in the kingdom and the Pubthugs from the Snuggly Duckling, put a strain on the system.
To keep the careful balance of justice and mercy Corona had developed over the centuries they needed to gather testimony and evidence and keep the accused apart so they couldn't adjust their stories to match, so the kingdom could weed out the liars.
So many details to attend to.
Then they had to find an impartial judge. Obviously, neither the king nor queen could not preside over the trial, being the victims. They had also expected the judges of the kingdom to recuse themselves as they have had to deal with the issues the kidnapping of the princess had made.
The University of Corona had an extensive law library and College of Law. Many kingdoms sent judges and lawyers to learn here to improve their own kingdoms. Most were not very familiar with Coronaian law, and so were unsuitable, but at present there was one who was knowledgable and willing.
A pygmy visiting from Africa, who had come to learn all about the renowned Coronaian law so as to build a better justice system for his king.
The victims of the crime, the royal family were in their designated place in the courtroom. Most of the courtroom was filled with the criminals: The Kidnapper of the Lost Princess, Flynn Rider, and the PubThugs from the Snuggly Duckling and plenty of guards.
The jury was seated as well. The judge had interviewed the potential jurors most carefully, with a pair of his visiting colleagues from the law school. There were enough new immigrants to Corona that they were able to find twelve that would be able to serve impartially, however he had made sure to remind them of the applicable laws to this case.
The large oak-paneled courtroom was called to order and all rose to honor the judge.
The judge, Ota Benga, resplendent in full traditional ceremonial garb, mounted the bench deeply carved with the kingdom's sigil, backed by a huge Coronaian sun banner, climbed the step stool to the raised seat provided to him to see over the heavy wood structure of the judge's bench, turned to the assemblage, nodded to the royals and smiled.
The princess went "Eek!" and dove behind her father. Judge Ota Benga had pointy teeth.
"Oh, please. Oh, please. He's going to cut my hair." Rapunzel was hugging her huge braid tightly and she was scared she didn't have her frying pan to defend herself with. Mother had said men with pointy teeth would come to cut her hair. She hadn't seen any so far, but now there was one right there in front of her and he seemed so important, even her parents had stood for him and they were royals and not supposed to bow to anyone.
The king and queen were holding their daughter between them not understanding what was wrong.
Gothel, who few had noticed was looking a bit older, was reaching out toward Rapunzel in her chains from her place behind a darkly carved banister, guards hauling her back to her chair.
"Rapunzel, please, it's okay! I...I lied. I didn't think there really were anyone with pointy teeth, it was just a lie to keep you in the tower. I'm sorry. I didn't want you scared of anything real. I guess I was wrong about the not being real part," said Gothel, ruefully.
The judge was standing there dumbfounded. Why would the princess be scared of him cutting her hair? He was a judge not a barber. Why would she be so afraid of a haircut? What kind of lie was that to tell a child to keep her in a tower?
This might be a more challenging trial then he had expected.