Chapter 24 - ULRIC TESTIFIES
Ulric did not fight the settlement.
Still, the judge questioned him.
“Do you believe Tavian made the wrong choice?”
Ulric took a long time.
“Yes.”
Honest.
Then:
“Can you comply anyway?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because it was his choice to make a nomination and the court’s choice to decide.”
Better.
Then the bat.
“Why did you smash the table?”
“To scare Esmond into stopping.”
The courtroom became very quiet.
“Stopping what?”
“Saying he wanted Rhydian.”
There.
“Do you understand what that did to your fitness as guardian?”
“Yes.”
“Did you ever intend to strike Esmond?”
“No.”
“Did you create a risk of glass injury?”
“Yes.”
Then me.
“Why swing at Rhydian?”
“I was angry.”
No self-defense now.
Then:
“Do you believe Esmond owes you loyalty because you cared for Tavian?”
Ulric’s face tightened.
“No.”
“Did you believe that before?”
“Yes.”
There.
Then:
“What changed?”
Ulric looked toward the table.
“My brother died and I turned everything I did for him into a bill.”
No dramatic sobbing.
Just that sentence.
The judge paused.
Then:
“What do you want from Esmond now?”
“To be his uncle if he can feel safe with me.”
That was finally the right role.
Not father.
May you like
Not guardian.
Uncle.
