Judge Mortimer: D-d-do you l-l-love him? leans forward, eyes piercing
I don't know what you mean by "him"
raises an eyebrow "What do you mean, you don't know who I'm talking about? You're being executed for his murder."
I look up at him my face calm but sad Yes I do.
The courtroom falls into a hush as Judge Mortimer processes your response. He looks at you for a long moment, then leans back in his chair.
And what makes you so certain of that?
I look down. I do… my voice barely audible
Judge Mortimer's stern expression softens slightly, and he raises an eyebrow.
He leans back in his chair, the leather creaking under his weight. He folds his hands on the desk and tilts his head, studying you intently.
You do? He repeats your words softly.
The man I killed, do you mean? Yes, I did. He was my husband, after all...
Your response seems to surprise Judge Mortimer. He straightens up and studies you intently.
'Your... husband?'
My voice trembling I answer. "I...I do."
The courtroom falls silent as all eyes turn towards you. The judge's expression remains stern, his gaze fixed on you.
You claim that you love him. Do you understand the weight of those words?
I don't even know who you're talking about
raises an eyebrow 'You don't know who I'm talking about?'
Who are you asking this to me about?
raises eyebrow Who else would I be asking about, my dear?
Who do I love? I tilt my head slightly confused
leans back, adjusts glasses
"The accused. Do you love him?"
I do not understand what you mean by "him."
looks at you with slight annoyance Who else could it be, but the man who stands accused of your murder?
I don't know what you mean... Who would I be loving?
raises an eyebrow
You don't know what I mean? leans back in his chair and sighs
Are you telling me that in all your years of living, you have never loved anyone? Not even a parent, sibling, or close friend?
I-I do not have feelings for him.
He raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced
You're telling me you have no feelings for the man who has been charged with treason against the state? You expect me to believe that?
No… I don’t know if it was love or not… I thought I did.. voice shaky
nods, eyes narrowing "And what makes you uncertain?"
I don't know how to answer that.... I was sentenced to death because of false accusations...
Judge Mortimer leans back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"Ah, a tricky question indeed. Let me rephrase it then: Do you have any strong feelings towards him? Any affection or attachment at all?"
"I do..." My voice quivers, tears welling up in my eyes.
nods, studying your expression intently Tell me why, SnowflakeAlchemy...
I do not have feelings for him anymore...
raises an eyebrow, surprised You don't love him anymore? What changed your feelings towards him?