Three days later, the grand marble hall of the Northern Citadel was filled with hundreds of dignitaries, business leaders, and estate owners.
Large banners bearing the silver and blue wolf crest hung from the high stone arches.
Freya sat upon the elevated wooden throne at the end of the hall, wearing a flowing silver gown and a delicate blue crystal crown.
Beside her stood her chief advisor, Mark, holding a long scroll of official decrees.
Mark: Bring in the petitioners from the Southern District.
The heavy iron doors at the rear of the hall opened, and two guards escorted Chloe into the room.
She was no longer wearing her expensive burgundy designer dresses. She wore a simple dark grey linen robe, her head bowed in deep humiliation.
Behind her stood Julian, his hands trembling as he stared at the floor.
Chloe: Your Grace... please... we have come to beg for mercy.
Freya: Raise your head, Chloe.
Chloe slowly raised her eyes, tears streaming down her pale cheeks as she looked up at the woman she had once struck in a bridal shop.
Chloe: I was wrong... I was arrogant and cruel. I didn't know who you were!
Freya: That is the fundamental flaw in your character, Chloe. You only show respect to those you believe hold power over you.
Chloe: I am so sorry! Please, don't evict my mother from her home! She had nothing to do with this!
Freya: Your family's primary residence was purchased with stolen municipal funds, Chloe. It must be returned to the city to pay for public housing.
Julian fell to his knees on the cold stone floor, wringing his hands frantically.
Julian: Please, High Alpha! I was just following my uncle's orders! I didn't know the money was illegal!
Mark: Silence! You signed thirty-two fraudulent wire transfers, Julian. The paper trail is absolute.
Freya: However, I am not without mercy.
Chloe looked up with a glimmer of desperate hope in her eyes.
Chloe: You'll drop the charges?
Freya: No. The law will take its full course regarding the financial crimes.
Chloe: Then... what mercy are you offering us?
Freya: I am granting your mother a modest two-bedroom apartment in the eastern district, funded entirely by my personal allowance. She will not be left on the street.
Chloe let out a sob, bowing her head deeply toward the throne.
Chloe: Thank you... thank you, Your Grace...
Freya: As for you, Chloe... you will complete two thousand hours of community service at the regional women's shelter, where you will learn the true value of hard work and humility.
Chloe: I will... I promise I will work every day without complaint.
Freya: Take them away.
The guards escorted Chloe and Julian out through the side entrance, leaving the hall quiet once again.
Freya leaned back against her wooden throne, letting out a soft, tired breath as Mark stepped beside her.
Mark: You were very generous with them, My Lady.
Freya: True power isn't about crushing your enemies, Mark. It's about ensuring justice is served without becoming a monster yourself.
Mark: Wise words, High Alpha. There is one final visitor requesting an audience.
Freya looked toward the heavy iron doors at the end of the hall.
Freya: Who is it?
Mark: Kane Vance.
Freya stayed quiet for a long moment, looking down at the glowing blue ring on her hand before offering a small, decisive nod.
Freya: Let him in.