Once Upon a Crime

The courtroom is a stiff, municipal box.

The kind of place where people argue about fences and parking violations.

The witch sits at the defense table, hands folded, expression neutral.

She looks...normal. Which is already somewhat disappointing to the plaintiff, Fiona.

The judge clears her throat. "This is a civil matter, not a criminal one. Let's keep the theatrics to a minimum."

Fiona nods, alertly. "I'm not here for theatrics."

Her husband sits beside her, holding her hand. He hasn't let go since they entered the room.

"State your claim," the judge says.

Fiona swallows deep. "I hired her to perform a love spell."

The witch arcs an eyebrow.

The judge shrugs, wanting."And?"

"And it worked."

Mumbles and whispers roll around the room. Someone laughs and muffles.

The judge sighs. "Ma'am, you're suing because your request was fulfilled?"

"Yes," Fiona says. "Because it worked perfectly."

The witch finally speaks.

"That's what spells do."

Fiona's voice is shaky. "You didn't warn me."

"I did," the witch says, poised. "You didn't listen."

The judge postures curiously. "Warn her of what exactly?"

Fiona looks down at her husband's hand. It's warm, steady. Unmoving.

"He doesn't sleep anymore," she says. "He doesn't argue. He doesn't forget things. He doesn't get bored. He doesn't want anything except me."

The judge blinks and falls back. "That sounds like an ideal partner."

Fiona's voice cracks. "He doesn't change."

The judge looks at the husband squarely. "Sir," she says. "Do you wish to respond?"

The husband doesn't turn his head. His eyes remain on his wife.

"I love her," he says. His voice is gentle. Softly laying his words. "I will always love her."

The witch exhales through her nostrils, almost amused. "You asked for eternal devotion," she says.

"Is he...dangerous?" the judge asks, rubbing her temples.

"No," the witch replies. "He's flawless."

Fiona whispers, "That's the problem."

The judge looks back at her. "What exactly do you want from this court?"

Fiona stares at the man who has never once looked away from her since the spell was cast.

"I want him to have the choice to leave me," she says.

...