Special Events of The Selection Series
8. The Convicting: Elise Whisks
Slowly, no doubt embarrassed by the spectacle, Jacob walked into the Great Room. His wrists were in handcuffs, and he flinched at the cameras’ lights and went skittishly to bow in front of Elise. I couldn’t see her very well without leaning too far forward, so I turned slightly and listened as she spoke the lines we all would in turn.
“Jacob, what is your crime?” she asked. She projected her voice really well, much better than usual.
“Theft, my lady,” he answered meekly.
“And how long is your sentence?”
“Twelve years, my lady.”
(...) Elise stood and walked down to Jacob, placing her hand on his shoulder. He hadn’t truly looked her in the eye until that moment.
“Go, faithful subject, and pay your debt to the king.”
Her voice rang out in the quiet of the room. Jacob nodded his head. He looked at the king, and I could see he wanted to do something. He wanted to fight or make an accusation, but he didn’t. No doubt someone else would pay for any mistakes he made today. Jacob stood and exited the room as the audience applauded.