Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Ladies and Gentlemen!” Crowley announced, pacing back and forth at the front. He twirled his cane in the air before it seemed to disappear. “I have here indisputable evidence that will prove that Ms. L/n is innocent!”

The King waved a hand at his soldiers. “Bring her back. I’ll hear him out.”

“Wonderful!” Crowley exclaimed. You started to be dragged back over to the podium.

“Dire Crowley,” the King said, “do you swear to speak the truth, and nothing but the truth?”

“I do.”

“Then let us continue with the proceedings.” The King nodded. “Present your evidence.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen!” Crowley swivelled on his foot to face the crowd, putting one hand in his pocket and gesturing animatedly towards you being placed on the podium with the other. “The accused stands before you today. She has not only been charged with multiple offences, she was caught in the act. This alone should make this case truly conclusive.

“Will one of the soldiers present please describe how she was found?”

A dark-haired man with a handlebar moustache stepped forward. “When we found her, she was dressed in armour and was dancing in the-”

“Did she have anything on her? A necklace perhaps?”

If you weren’t paying attention before, you certainly were now.

The soldier seemed equally as surprised. “Yes, she did.”

“Is it here?” Crowley asked. The soldier looked at the King, who furrowed his brow.

“Someone retrieve the necklace!” He bellowed. A servant ran out of the room, presumably to retrieve it.

“To put it simply, Ms L/n is entirely innocent of her crimes as she was not the mastermind behind them.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have reason to believe that her necklace was enchanted. No sagacious person would ever commit these crimes on their own, and there isn’t a single person in the world who doesn’t know that this is an impossible feat.”

“She never mentioned feeling like she’s under a spell.” The King pointed out. “If this is true, then it should have broken the moment the necklace was removed.”

“Unless she’s been under the spell before,” Crowley said. “Exposure therapy, if you will. If someone is repetitively exposed to a stimulus the less they will react to it if they are exposed again. Not only that, if she was being controlled over some time no one would notice an alteration in her behaviour. Tell me, Ms. L/n, how long have you been in possession of your necklace?”

Your blood ran cold. “Since I was four.”

“Precisely.” Crowley nodded. “Therefore, Ms. L/n cannot be held responsible. If anything, she is the victim of these heinous crimes.”

“Are you saying that there is a larger scheme at play?” The King demanded.

“…I wouldn’t say it’s out of the question.”

The room began to panic.

“Silence!” The King boomed. The audience settled down, anxious to hear what’s next.

“Crowley,” King Yensid said seriously, “these are very serious accusations you’re making.”

“I’m well aware,” Crowley said seriously. “But as the Court Mage, it is my duty to you and the state to bring these threats to light.”

The door opened and the servant from before ran in, holding a dark oak box.

“Ah, wonderful!” Crowley cheered. “Bring it here.”

The servant walked over and presented the box, opening the lid for him. He reached in and pulled out the necklace with one hand.

The necklace itself was simple. It was a simple clear stone on a long, thin, leather thread. It was constructed in such a way that you could adjust the length by sliding a knot up or down the string when you wanted to, but you usually preferred to keep it just above your navel.

Crowley held your necklace up for the room to see and pulled his other hand out of his pocket. “Allow me to validate my proclamation.”

On his finger, Crowley had a large ring with a clear stone and a golden band. Slowly, he brought his hand toward the necklace. For a moment nothing happened. Suddenly, the stones began to glow. You watched in horror as the light grew brighter and the ring grew closer. The stones began to hum softly.

Crowley put his arm down and placed the necklace back in the box. “As you can see Your Majesty, this necklace contains a powerful magical energy. While Ms. L/n cannot be held accountable, there may be something far more sinister afoot.”

The King stared at the simple-looking stone in horror. “If this is true, then this is a matter of national security. Why was this girl chosen? And how can we be sure she won’t be experiencing any lingering effects of this enchantment?”

“The truth is Your Majesty, I cannot say.”

“Then what do you suggest?” The King asked. “She could be a danger to herself and others. While I cannot kill her, I cannot allow her to simply go free.”

“Then may I propose to take her with me?” Crowley asked. “I would like to study her and the necklace. This could lead us to the person responsible for these crimes. Ah, but I am gracious.”

You didn’t want to go with this man. You didn’t want to be imprisoned. You just wanted to go home and forget this nightmare ever happened.

The King, however, considered it. “That’s not a bad idea. You are aware that you will have full responsibility for her well-being, and you will not receive state funds for any damages she causes?”

“No funds?!” Crowley jolted back in horror before sighing. “I suppose.”

“And you will take care to ensure her well-being?”

“Of course. I’ll feed her, walk her, maybe even teach her some tricks-”

“Then it’s settled.” The King turned to you whilst your head was still spinning. “Y/n, you will go with Crowley and stay with him for the time being. You will be sufficiently cared for and if deemed fit to re-enter society you will be allowed to do so. Do you understand?”

You didn’t want to, but you understood perfectly. You had no choice.

“Yes.” You answered shakily.

“Excellent!” Crowley beamed. “Shall I take her with me now, or-“

“We will return her things before you both leave.” The King nodded. “This trial is concluded.”

The frazzled crowd stood from their seats and began to chat with one another in shock and file out. Meanwhile, you felt like you had been dunked in a bath of ice water.

You were leaving with a strange man you didn’t know, found out you were carrying a cursed item around, and worst of all; you may not have been in control of yourself for your entire life.