Hadrian snapped his fingers, and within a heartbeat, two servants entered the courtroom carrying an enormous wooden chair. They placed it ceremoniously in the center of the room, its grandeur commanding immediate attention. Turning back to me, Hadrian extended his hand, his courteous smile warm yet authoritative. My throat tightened as I swallowed nervously, but I placed my hand in his, allowing him to guide me to the witness chair.

The moment I settled into the seat, an overwhelming ...