The whole court ended up in an uproar as the words left his mouth while the eyes of George narrowed at the man who had promised that he would not let them marry! Edward!
Forgetting that he was still acting as a benevolent brother, his eyes narrowed at Edward who trembled with fear and then tried to look for Olivia but surprisingly she had not attended the trial.
Now he did not have anyone to pass the blame on. But how did that happen? He was there that day, he had mixed himself in the crowd while hiding his face from the cloak.
He remembered that he had written a letter to Olivia asking if she wanted to marry Leo, if yes, kidnap the girl on her wedding day and she did.
Edward had seen knights searching for her. Leo had left the venue while looking for her. There was no way that they got married!
He shook his head vehemently. From that night he was with Evan all the time. So, he was sure they did not marry.
Same doubts were in the minds of all the spectators. They were there in the church and witnessed the wedding getting canceled.
With a frown, George stared at confused nobles and sneered. There were so many people yet they did not know whether he got married or not. Such a bunch of fools!
But when his eyes fell on confused William who was staring at Leo as if trying to take a decision, his eyes narrowed.
'Could it be that he was fooling everyone?' With that thought, a smirk formed on his face.
"That was a good lie but do you know you would end up in prison if you lied in the trial!
Everyone in the palace knew that your wedding had been canceled!
Truth to be told, I did not understand your actions, Leonardo. Are you so afraid of losing your title as the heir of your family that you have started to play low tricks!
And here I thought that you love the Thawyne family as yours. Now I am in doubt about my views.`` That was the best time to sow the seeds of discord.
If it worked then he would not need to do anything further. They would end up fighting and doubting each other.
The family that had been united all this time would crumble on its own. Only the thought was enough to leave him in seventh heaven.
"You are right my lord. That day, Evan had lost his way so we were not able to marry in the presence of everyone.
But that had disappointed us a lot and we decided to marry that night only.
Since everyone was too agitated and worried, we were afraid that others would deny. So, we got married without telling everyone.
Since then, we have been trying to find a good time to tell everyone the truth.
But a lot of things kept coming on the way. And we did not get a chance to tell others. Biut Evangeline had already told Evelyn, my lord.
If you do not trust me, you can ask her.`` Just as he finished, he turned to look at Evan and Eve who stood up and nodded their heads in confirmation.
"That is right, my lord. I am already married to Leonardo. He is the first son in law of our house." Evan nodded and spoke in a soft tone as she smiled warmly towards Leo, surprising George who had instructed Edward to sow discord between both of them enough to keep them separated.
And that fool had told him, they already hated each other."
But it was still not late. Though it could not be confirmed if they were married or not, but even if they did marry, if they did not have any witness for the marriage and it was not registered by the church, then it would not be no more than a lie even if they have taken vows.
He would not lose after coming so far! With that thought, he looked fiercely at Leo to intimidate him.
"And you think that I would believe the words of your sisters. They have a soft corner for you. What if they would be lying to support you and save the title for you.
A marriage needed to be registered in the church and proper rules needed to be followed. I will not tolerate that you will make fun of such a sacred relationship for your gains.
One more lie and I will throw you into prison for one year!" he bellowed with a loud voice that was enough to create a shudder in every present noble.
Though many did not find him better than William, he was still the emperor that was the grand authority of the empire, challenging his place and right was not easy.
Leo instantly bowed his head earning sneer from other people who felt that he was pathetic.
"I apologize for not explaining properly, my lord. I thought the words of family were most sacred, but if you think the register of church is better proof then you can check there too.
Our marriage is registered in the church and as far as it is about witness, then we have two witness too,
One of them is my side and good friend Arden, he is the count of Belrose.
And the other witness is the single daughter of Duke Grasitias, lady Olivia who was accused as the kidnapper of my wife.
She had personally come to clear the misunderstanding and offered to be the witness of our marriage as an apology and we gladly accepted her offer.'' With a soft tone and voice full of respect he had already won the hearts of a few and others could not do anything with so much proof in his hands.
"You can clarify the matter for as long as you want. But I request you to end the trial by punishing father by taking his title and then passing it to the first son in law, that is me!":