“I do not understand.” Lesatan stood in his study with two large Mondues on either side of him. They both held onto his upper arms.
Headmaster Beroris stood in his black garbs with his hands folded in front of him. His white beard hid his lips but there was an obvious frown upon his face. “Correspondence was found in the mail rooms that strongly suggest that you had the wine poisoned before delivery. To this particular group, there are many such letters that had been sent to them over the past year. I am sorry, Lesatan, but the evidence suggests that you are responsible for your father's murder.”
In the study, Damek stood beside the Headmaster along with several other Mondue guards. His cousin shouldn't have been there but had instead pushed his way in, even though most wanted him to remain in bed.
“I sent no such letters. I have never worked with any organization that would plot the murder of anyone least of all my own father.” Lesatan snapped back.
“He should be sent to Arthes immediately for trial.” Damek barked before the Headmaster could reply to the Prince.
Headmaster Beroris turned his eyes to Damek, “The murdered occurred on Apisarn's grounds, and therefore is a matter for the students to handle.”
“This is the death of a King not just some student!” Damek fired back.
“That is irrelevant, Damek. Apisarn is its own country within a country. We follow student laws and rules here, and we have our own investigative and judicial means. After attending for eight years, I would expect you to be fully aware of our systems.” The Headmaster turned his attention back to Lesatan. “I am afraid you will be taken to the jail cells at the professor's dorms for the remainder of the investigation and trial. I will ensure that you receive nice accommodations.”
Lesatan's heart felt as if it had melted. “Will Lenore oversee my trial since she is the highest ranking member of the school after me?”
Headmaster Beroris nodded his head. “Those are the rules of the school. I will summon her to my study as soon as we finish here.”
“Lenore cannot be an impartial judge!” Damek yelled. “There should be someone else appointed. She...”
“Lenore is the only other living member of the Royal Family, minus the Queen, of course. However, the Queen does not attend this school anymore and as I recall neither do you, Damek. So, it is quite curious that you insert yourself where you know fully well you do not belong.” Headmaster Beroris was becoming frustrated with him. “I understand that you are upset over your Uncle's death, but that does not mean you get to rewrite the laws of the land to your liking. Are we clear?”
Damek lowered his head, “Yes.”
“Then please, excuse yourself, this instant.” He pointed toward the door behind a Mondue guard who was watching over it.
Lesatan watched as his cousin left the room. “I do not see my mother approving of Lenore's position in this trial either.”
Headmaster Beroris chuckled though he seemed to remember their circumstances and return to a more somber state immediately. “I highly doubt your sister would take so placid a position in your trial, Lesatan. She has never been one to sit about and wait for answers to be brought to her, so have no fear.”
Lesatan couldn't believe that the Headmaster had read his mind and knew he wanted his sister in a more active role. “Will you suggest it to her then? If she does take the role of judge?”
He slowly nodded his head, “Whether you are guilty or innocent, Lesatan, you will receive a fair trial. In that, you can trust.”
Lenore had been informed by Krius that morning of her brother's arrest, and she was immediately asked to visit the Headmaster's study. There had been little time for her to ask any questions over how the arrest had come about, but Krius had walked with her so as to give her as much information as possible about the situation. Once they reach the professor's dorms, he left her to enter alone.
The inside was similar to the Royal Dorms with dark woods and velvet blood red fabric. Lenore had never been inside before and found it very interesting though most of the other students would never know that it mimicked her dorm.
The door for the Headmaster's study was clearly labeled and she knocked once before she was told to come in. Upon opening the door, she could smell a strong scent of mint that was no doubt from the tea. The room looked much like the hallway with red fabrics and a dark wood desk. The lay out of the room was similar to her own study with a fireplace and a desk facing toward the center of the room.
“Lenore, please sit.” Headmaster Beroris stood by the large windows, but the windowsills were filled with books and loose pages. In fact, most of the room was covered in such items even his desk. There were no book shelves just an entire library stacked from the ground up.
Sitting down, Lenore waited as the Headmaster flipped through a book and slowly made his way over to his desk. Upon sitting down, he placed the book in front of him and looked at the Princess. “I am certain you have been informed of your brother's predicament.”
“Yes, I understand there were letters that seem to suggest that my brother was speaking to an organization that specializes in assassinations?” Lenore crossed her arms and swallowed as she thought to herself that this could not be true.
The old man nodded his head, “The Serpent's Circle or the Brotherhood as they prefer to be called by those outside their religious standing. They have long been known to wish to dethrone your father, and they had worked closely with the Romanus family to help destroy your father's own spy network. They were very successful.”
“I see. They are very powerful organization then.” Lenore sighed. “It will be no small task to prove my brother's innocence.”
“Which is why I summoned you here. As the highest ranking member of the Royal Family, you would be the judge at your brother's trial.” Headmaster Beroris explained. “In truth, it would be a better position for your brother if you couldn't save him from seeming guilty, you could at the very least banish him from the country and save him from death.”
Lenore nodded her head, “However, that would mean I could not play a direct role in proving his innocence. I am afraid I must decline as I could not be impartial at trial and that might cause a greater rift between me and those that would gladly go to civil war if I were to take the throne.”
“I see, then what do you suggest?” He grabbed the book from in front of him and opened it as he listened to her speak.
“I ask instead that I be made my brother's advocate during the trial and be given examiner rights. I want to see all the evidence and speak to those involved.” Lenore watched as the man looked inside of his book for a brief moment.
“The advocate right is something I can easily do, and I am certain it would not take much to grant you examiner rights. However, I have already gained you investigator rights as well as acquired six badges for you to use to create deputies. However, if you would prefer to only examine...”
“No, investigator is fine.” Lenore waved her hands in front of her face.
“Good.” He took a piece of paper out of his book. “Go to the main guard station and give this to them. They will give you everything you need.”
Taking the piece of paper, Lenore stood up. “Who will take the role of judge?”
“I shall find someone impartial, you should stay clear from that decision. We do not want others thinking you influenced me.”
She nodded, “I wonder if my father told you about what I was attempting to do here. I mean the mission he sent me on?”
Headmaster Beroris chuckled, “Attempting? From what I understand you have accomplished. Use it well in this trial, Lenore.”
Jolon and Anton went down to the stream to wash some of their clothing. The dorm had been filled with the sounds of young girls crying over the King's death, though none of them had known him.
Ophelia, Harona, and Saena were camping in the latter's room as they discussed whether Ophelia will be called to the Royal Dorms during the investigation. While Santh seemed lost in his own thoughts and Remus had locked himself away as the King had been somewhat of an uncle to him. The only person unaccounted for was Routine, he had disappeared that morning.
The dorms were a place of sorrow for everyone except the two commoners who did not know how to feel about current events. They felt separated from everyone emotionally and therefore decided to separate themselves physically.
Kneeling in front of the stream, both men were washing their white button up shirts. They were silent for some time as they could hear some sobbing coming from the dorm still.
“I wonder how Lenore is?” Jolon finally asked but in truth did not expect any sort of answer as he continued to wash his shirt. He ringed it out before looking at it and dunked it back into the water to run his bar of soap over it again.
Anton sighed softly, “I am still very angry with her, but I would never had wished this type of tragedy upon her. She may have used us all, but she still did right by us at times.”
“I still think she is the one that paid for your third year tuition.” Jolon stood and threw his shirt over a tree limb to dry before getting started on his pants.
His friend was quiet for a moment, “After what she said I can not believe that, but everyone here says they did not pay it. I can not think of anyone else that would have the means, but I never told her that I wanted to stay four years. I don't think so anyway. So, how would she have known?”
Jolon shrugged his shoulders, “She's a powerful person... still I wouldn't know how she would have gotten the information. I suppose I don't know why she would help at all. Maybe Ophelia is right and the day was all an act.”
“It is nice to believe that she was real to us all before that day, and that we were not just used for her amusement. However, it has been too long without a word from her. I have forgotten what her voice sounds like and I do not remember what it was like to wake up with her at the dorm.” Anton frowned deeply. “In truth, I have hardly thought about her at all until today.”
“Remus brings her up a great deal. I think he was deeply hurt by her words, and the fact that he continues to be angry with her proves she has not spoken any words of remorse to him.” Jolon stopped washing his pants and sat back on his bottom. “Of all the people in this dorm, you would think Remus would be one that she would want to fix a destroyed relationship with.”
“Because they were close or because of his connections to the Fox?” Anton asked as he mimicked Jolon and sat back, giving up on his laundry.
“Because he will be the leader of the Merchant's Guild one day. He is a very powerful man and the Merchant's Guild could make quite a bit of trouble for the Royals.” Sitting forward he began to wash his pants once more.
Anton thought quietly for a brief moment. “Routine is powerful as well.”
“Indeed, but Routine does not seem bothered by her actions. His sister is married to the Prince after all, so it is probably best for him to not cause waves.”
Nodding his head, he began to clean his clothes again. “Sometimes, I am thankful that I am just a commoner who doesn't have to worry about politics.”
Jolon smirked, “I am hoping that truth won't last my entire life.”
Routine had been allowed into the dorms to visit with his sister. Ever since he had heard of the King's death the day before, he had worried about her. He feared that because she was a newcomer to the family that fingers might be pointed at her first; if not by the family than by the population who were bloodthirsty.
As he walked into her study, Piera was sitting in a big stuffed chair by the fire. She stood when he entered the room and he could tell she wanted to run over to him and hug him. Of course, this was a difficult situation as he was not one that was easily hugged. In fact, he could already hear himself asking her to release him. When she did not move towards him, Routine walked over to her and placed his arms around her shoulders briefly.
“They arrested Lesatan.” She suddenly spoke as she laid her head on his shoulder. “They say that he killed his father.” She could feel her brother swallow before he released her.
Looking into her eyes, Routine could see that she was desperately trying not to cry. “What proof could they have had?”
“I was told there was a letter and proof of other letters being sent to some organization or another that wanted the King dead.” Piera slowly sat back down in her chair and locked her eyes on the crackling fire before her. It was a warm day but she wanted to stare at the fire as it calmed her.
Routine stood silently as anything he thought to say sounded like overused platitudes. He decided it was best to remain silent in his sister's sadness then try to alleviate her pain. Reaching out his placed his hand on her shoulder and waited with her.
“There is more.” She continued to stare at the fire. “I am pregnant with the next heir to the throne. If Lesatan did not kill his father then someone is trying to make it appear that way, which I fear means I could be in danger.”
“Have you informed Lenore?” He kneeled down beside her and placed his hands on the arm rest of the chair.
She slowly shook her head. “My fear for my own safety makes me suspicious of everyone. What if the Queen is right? What if Lenore planned all this? After all, she is the only one that stands to gain from her father and brother's death.”
“Lenore is... my greatest friend. I trust her in all endeavors. I trust her with my life, and I would trust her with yours.”
Piera turned her attention to her brother's eyes. “Do you really believe in her so much? Should I inform her? What if she tries to have me killed? What if she poisons my drink and kills my child without my ever knowing it?” She stood up. “No, you must be the one to help me escape. I can not trust anyone but you.”
“In these times, I have little power over matters. Escorting you to our home would look as if I was abducting the Princess. That alone would cause who ever is behind this to raise suspicions, as you do not belong in that home any longer.” He watched her shake her head.
“No, what if...”
“It would also put our family in a dangerous position if anyone discovers you are pregnant there.” He stood up after staring up at her for so long. Once standing, he placed his hands on her shoulders. “No, if Lesatan has been betrayed than Lenore is the only one that can safely send you away. She can make it look more as if you are being sent away over stress.”
Piera looked troubled as she tried to fight between her brother's words and her own fear for the safety of herself and her child.
“You must inform Lenore, Piera. She will concoct a plan to remove you from all eyes and ears that might belong to this person or organization behind this act.” He squeezed her shoulders before releasing them and let his hands drop to his side.
Piera took a deep breath. “Very well, if you trust her than I shall as well.”
Damek walked to his study with fast but heavy steps. Opening the door, he slammed it behind himself before cursing internally as he didn't want anyone passing by to hear him. Once he was finished, he stood up straight and adjusted his clothing.
“Ahem.” A voice from next to the fireplace called for his attention and he found Marius standing there.
“Did you not tell me that a King's murder trial would not be held at the school?” Damek tried his best to keep his voice down as he hurried over to stand as close to Marius as he could. “If I had known that his drinking it here would have caused all this trouble; I would have convinced him to drink the wine in Arthes.”
Marius looked confused but was also scared as he feared the man in front of him. “I... I am not following...”
“The Headmaster demands that the trial be held here. Lenore will reside over the proceedings. Do you have any idea what that means for us?” He stared at the would be professor before answering for him. “It means that despite overwhelming evidence Lenore will not kill her brother, will she? No, she might exile him at best. Which means that he will be out in the world as a constant threat that might return one day to take the throne back.”
“Or he might never return, and all will be well.” Marius' words were soft almost as if he did not wish to speak them at all.
“Do you understand the extra planning that I must now do? I have to convince Lenore that her brother is a vicious monster that deserves execution. Do you understand how impossible that is?” Damek was speaking through his teeth and clutching his hands. His fingernails pressed firmly against his palm to cause pain, but he did not break the skin.
Marius was terrified of all the questions that were being asked of him as he did not know if they were rhetorical or not. “Perhaps, I could complain that she is too close to the defendant and that no one would believe this would be a fair trial.”
Damek stepped back and began to chuckle, as he chewed on his thumb nail briefly. “Yes, wonderful idea, Marius.”
The would be professor grinned but it was short lived as he watched Damek's face change emotions within a blink of the eye.
Punching the wall, Marius began to talk but kept his voice low so as to not be overheard. To Marius it was a horrifying combination of whispering and screaming that he could not comprehend. “Let's tell the world that the person we wish to be sitting on the throne is not fit to hold court!”
“Right, you are correct.” Marius nodded his head nervously.
Taking a deep breath, Damek seemed to calm himself. “I will have to adjust the plan that is all we can do.”
Marius agreed as he followed Damek over to the desk. They both sat down in their respected chairs and were quiet for some time, before Marius decided he had to ask a question that had been nagging at him. “I... I have a question.” He waited for Damek to look up at him. “That night, the King wanted to share his wine with Lesatan. If Lesatan had drank it, he would have died as well, but you already sent so many letters to make it obvious that Lesatan was behind this. He would have obviously been a victim that you were attempting to take the fall.”
Damek grinned, “I had two others in mind. Krius since he is the one that sent the letters, and it would have simply been unfortunate that Lesatan drank the poison as well. Our contact in the mail room would have simply done as I said and showed that Krius delivered the letters. Why kill the King? Because he wants to marry Lenore and become King himself. Everyone is aware of Krius' feelings toward Lenore.”
“I see, and the other.” Marius waited for baited breath as he had a feeling that he knew who the second man would be.
“You.” Damek said clearly. “You delivered those letters. You signed Krius' name. Why would you kill the King and Prince? You are part of the resistance after all, and I could easily prove that.”
Swallowing, Marius stood from his chair. “It was as I expected.”
“We must all sacrifice to ensure Lenore sits on the throne, Marius. Some of us will have to give our lives. I would have expected you to die for this cause, as you are well aware. I brought poison into my body to see it done.”
He bowed his head, “Yes, of course.”
Piera knocked gently on the bedroom door. She hoped deep down that Lenore would not be in her room and that she would have to wait to speak to her on the matter at hand. However, the door opened and Lenore looked at her before stepping aside. She didn't seem to need Piera to give her any reason for her visit.
Closing the door behind her, Lenore walked over to the bench at the end of her bed and looked up at her. “How are you? This must be very difficult considering.”
“Considering what?” Her heart began to beat as if it could no longer be contained, as she asked herself whether Lenore already knew she was pregnant. She hadn't even told Lesatan yet, so how could she know unless Ophelia was a traitor after all.
“Considering you were just married.” Lenore cocked her head to the side. “You look distressed, Piera.”
“Of course, I am distressed. My husband is being jailed for the murder of his own father! Who would not be distressed!” Piera tossed her hands on the air and walked over to the vanity before she checked her face and hair.
“I have spoken to the Headmaster and I will become Lesatan's advocate. I have also been given investigative rights with the ability to create deputies under me.” Lenore stood up and walked over to the other woman before putting her hand on her shoulder.
Piera stood straight and stared at the woman before her.
“Do not fret. I will not allow my brother to be executed for that which he did not do. My brother loved my father and had no reason to kill him. I will bring whoever did this to justice. I swear it.” Lenore squeezed her shoulder before letting it go.
“You will?” Piera could barely contain her own breath as she felt a wave of relief come over her. “You give me your word?”
“I give my word.” Lenore tried to grin slightly.
“I thought you would rule over the trial, but you are the advocate instead?” Piera was beginning to feel ridiculous and she knew that Lenore had no idea why.
“As if I would sit idly by and let those who are either in league with the monster that did this or those that are simply incompetent defend my brother.” Lenore snorted.
“I'm pregnant.” Piera quickly spoke the words before she gave herself another chance to believe that Lenore might be behind this.
Lenore went very quiet as the two looked into eachother's eyes. “Any other time, this would be wonderful news, forgive me for not celebrating.”
“I... I understand. I fear that whoever is behind this might want to harm me or my child if I stay here. I will begin to show before the trial ever begins.” Piera sat down on the small stool in front of the vanity.
“You were right to come to me.” Lenore thought for a moment. “I know those loyal enough to sneak you away, and hide you until the right time comes. I need to think of a reason that is not suspicious for your leaving the university at this time, however. Go to your room and pack only what you need to survive. Understand?”
“Yes.” Piera stood up.
“Stay in your room, and I will send them to you in the morning so you can have a whole day of travel.” Lenore walked over to her door and opened it. “Go.”
It did not take long for word to spread of the arrest of the Prince in his father's murder. Though most everyone was to stay within their dorms except for meals; gossip could only be slowed but never stopped. No one seemed surprised that Lesatan would be capable of killing the good King, and that only proved how he had played his role in the world thus far.
Santh could not be bothered with the details of the murder; instead his mind turned to Lenore. He wondered what she was doing in that dorm as he knew she would not sit idly by on her hands. He thought perhaps she was glad that it had been her brother and she could take the throne, but that thought was quickly tossed from his mind.
Sitting on the steps in front of the dorm's front door, he leaned against his knees and pondered. He schemed of ways he could see her even if only to ease his own anxiety of knowing that he never could. He would give anything in that moment to be at her side even if he could say nothing to her at all.
The door behind him opened, and Harona stepped out. She shut the door as Santh stood up so she could use the stairs.
“I saw you sitting out here all alone. Are you feeling well?” Harona asked with concern in her voice.
Santh cleared his throat, “I fear that I am sick, but with worry.” He didn't know why he told her such a thing as he would normally keep his feelings to himself, but they were overflowing and he needed someone else to catch them in a bucket for him.
“I worry as well. If Lesatan is found guilty then there will be civil war. Not many would want the bastard child on the throne, but others would want the Cromwell bloodline to remain. I have been praying throughout the day that Lesatan is found innocent.” She swallowed.
“My concern is more for Lenore and her well being.” He informed her as he walked over to the door and leaned against the wall next to it.
She nodded her head, “I thought as much, but I did not wish to presume. I think of Piera often. I want to see my friend, but she is so far from my reach no matter how close we are physically. Luckily, Ophelia can come and go from the Royal Dorm. She is the only person keeping my heart from falling to pieces.”
Santh remained quiet though he did nod slightly as he didn't know any more that he could say. All of his feelings had been laid clear as much as he was able.
“You realize that if her brother is sentenced to death that she will have no more room for you in her life.” Harona didn't mean to make it sound as harsh as she did and she flinched when she realized what she had just said.
He said nothing and simply stared at her.
“The Royals would not accept you as their king or even a prince consort. They tolerate a Mondue queen, but a king would be an insult they could not accept.” Harona didn't know why she continued talking, it was as if the words simply poured from her lips without permission.
Santh smirked before he chuckled, “I never really thought I could marry Lenore, even if I took my father's lands and titles. I do not belong in that world. I belong in the dirt and the muck with the rest of my brethren. Lenore... our relationship was always just a fantasy that we wanted to live out, even if the feelings were real.”
Harona reached out her hand and placed it gently on his shoulder. “We lie to ourselves sometimes to protect our own hearts from decay, but when you speak those lies to others you force yourself to believe its true because now others do. So, be careful of what you say for someone else might believe you and force you to believe yourself as well.”
With that she smiled and squeezed his shoulder, before dropping her hand and opening the door so she could enter the dorm.
Santh stood quietly outside and swallowed as he thought over her words.
Xyles stood next to his son, Krius, as the two stood stoically in front of Lenore's desk. She was seated and had asked them to sit but they both preferred to stand. Taking a deep breath, she looked between the two Mondue briefly.
Her father's adviser and friend looked worn by the events over the last couple of days. She had known him for some time and there was no doubt in her mind that he blamed himself for her father's death.
“I have called you two into my study because a La Croix has always protected the heir Cromwell since the days of the old King when he created an allegiance with the Mondues. Your family's lineage and loyalty is undeniable, but I am afraid it will be tested.” Lenore explained before she stood from her desk and leaned on it with her hands. “Are you prepared to summon your ancestors for strength once again for the sake of the Cromwell bloodline?”
Xyles was always ready but he feared that Lenore might ask him to swear loyalty to her. He did not believe she was capable of her father's murder but this conversation made him nervous. “Of course, milady. Anything for you.”
Krius parroted the same words.
“This is not for me. It is for Lesatan and my bloodline.” Walking around the desk she stood in front of both men. “Piera is pregnant.”
Neither man showed any emotion, but both knew the weight of what that statement meant. Though, they both still wondered why she had summoned them.
“If I am right, then my brother is being accused of a crime he did not commit. Considering there has been no indication that I am involved, either they want me on the throne or they have not set into motion the plans to destroy me.” Lenore sat on her desk. “Piera's child is an unknown. Something these people did not consider. I need her removed from the school with a reasonable excuse to abandon her husband and a reasonable place she might go. However, she will not be escorted there, and instead Xyles you will take her into hiding. She must never be seen while pregnant and she must be protected. The Cromwell heir is within her.”
Xyles nodded his head though his heart was filled with relief and pride that Lenore was not the monster that the Queen had so long said she was. He had forgotten to trust in his friend and believe that Lenore was not a selfish monster but instead of loving daughter and sister. “I will do as Varden did for you all those years ago, and give my home and my life to protect her.”
“Just don't abandon Piera and keep the baby.” Lenore half joked but in her heart she was serious about that command.
“Yes, milady. The mother and child shall remain together for as long as they are under my protection.” He bowed his head.
“Good, you will leave first thing in the morning. I have thought that the reason could be that she is distressed over current events and that you suggested she go to the summer estate in Fusicha. People are always willing to believe that Royalty especially Princesses are prone to fainting and stress.” Lenore looked between them to see if they agreed.
“It might also help if we say that she is sickened by the mockery of this trial at the University, and does not wish to be a part of it.” Krius suggested.
“Hmm, it is a good idea but I would fear that it would take the trial away from the University, which I desperately need it to occur here.” She explained.
“The Headmaster would never allow it and it would give a better excuse.” Xyles agreed with his son.
“So be it, then. Anything else we should discuss?” Lenore waited for a brief moment.
“I should leave with my father.” Krius looked to Xyles.
Shaking his head, Xyles explained. “It would look too suspicious if we both left with her. However, as Lenore has said a member of our household has always protected the Cromwell since the first king. If Lesatan is found guilty, Lenore will be the next Queen and will be no doubt crowned immediately. Of course, this could mean civil war, therefore she must be protected at all costs. Understand?”
Krius nodded his head. “She will not leave my sight, father.”
Aletta placed a perfumed handkerchief over her nose as she walked down the stone stairs that lead to the cells under the Professors' Dorms. It smells of mold and excrement even though the area was hardly ever used except for the occasional out of control student.
A guard stood at the end of the stairway and motioned down the long hall to which cell her son was in. He grabbed the chair that he had been using and took it to the cell so she could sit while speaking to Lesatan.
In the cell, a nice bed, some rugs, and some books had been added in order to offer the young Prince comfort in this time. When he saw his mother, he stood from the fur covered bed and laid the book he had been reading on it before walking over to his mother.
Aletta put his hand through the bars to touch him.
“Your grace, you can not touch the prisoners. Headmaster's direct order.” The guard at the end of the hall told her.
Pulling her hand out, she looked to her son. “I can not believe I am seeing my son in such a pit. This putrid place... I...” A tear fell down her cheek.
“It is not all bad, Mother. The guards have been kind and they bring me food regularly. They even chat with me from time to time when they are not too busy.” He was trying to cheer her up as best he knew how.
Sitting down in the chair, Aletta wiped her tears away and kept her handkerchief close to her nose. “I knew she would make her move eventually. I just had no idea that she would be willing to kill her own father.”
“I do not believe this is Lenore's doing, Mother.” He did not feel like having this conversation with his mother in this state, but he knew she had already begun and would never stop.
The Queen snorted, “I initially thought the same, but Lenore is the only one who stands to gain from all of this. Lenore will be queen if you are tried and sentenced, and then what would she have done with me? There is only one person who was capable of doing what has been done, and that is her. Of that, I have no doubt.”
“Lenore is acting as my advocate instead of the judge of the trial. She is trying to prove my innocence.” He leaned his chest against the bars.
Aletta immediately stood, “No! That can not be allowed! She will sabotage you! She has placed herself in a position of even greater power!”
Lesatan remained calm. “Lenore would never harm our father. Their bond and love was stable and she would never act against him.”
“You can not know. She may have simply acted that way in order to grow close to him!” Aletta grabbed the bars. “She can not be your advocate, Lesatan. Tell me you will deny her!”
He swallowed as he knew she would not be prepared for what he would say next. “I asked for her to be so, Mother.”
Aletta fell silent before dropping back into her chairs. “You have doomed us both, son. We will both suffer under her.”
“Mother, you have to trust in the system. It was created to insure the innocence do not suffer, and I know Lenore will accomplish whatever she puts her mind to.”
Looking up from the floor, she stared into his eyes. “That is what I fear.”
He nodded his head, “Therefore whether she is responsible for what has happened or not, she will win in the end. Whatever she wants, she will gain, but I know what she wants.” He continued to look at his Mother before speaking. “She wants a family. She wants us to care for her. That is all she has ever wanted. Of this, I am certain.”
Lenore sat in her study as she reread the cryptic message that the Mondue's had found in the mail room. The note seemed to be thanking someone for services rendered, and was marked in the mail room the day her father died. She did not think her brother left the dorms, and she knew that Krius had not left as he was working with the Mondue investigators. Krius was always the one that delivered her brother's letters.
She jerked slightly when a loud knock occurred at the door, and watched as it opened and in stepped Damek. He bowed his had briefly and watched as Lenore offered the sit in front of her desk with a wave of her hand.
He closed the door behind him and made his way over to the chair before speaking with his hands folded together. “I apologize for this visit under these circumstances.” He began.
Lenore nodded her head, “I am merely going over the evidence they have found. Have you heard that I will be his advocate?”
“Yes, a noble decision. If he is found to be guilty, the other Royals will have to believe that you did all that you could to save him.” Damek leaned forward in his chair.
“That is not the reason...” She cut herself off as she decided there was no use in having this conversation. “What do I owe this visit?”
“As you well know, there are many in this kingdom that would not appreciate a bastard on the throne and would look to me or my father as the proper heir.” He sat back and was about to continue when she interrupted.
“I think it is premature to look to who will sit on the throne when the day comes. My brother has not been found guilty as of yet.” Lenore was getting annoyed with his visit already.
Damek chuckled, “It is never too early to discuss these matters, especially when I am aware that those same people are planning and amassing. If Lesatan is found guilty which looks likely, they might attack before you are even able to give your first order. I worry about this, of course, but there must be a way to appease both sides before any blood is spilled.”
“Appease both sides?” Lenore could not believe she was actually having this conversation. She needed to concentrate on her brother, and not worry about who will sit on the throne. “I'll just allow you to have it. Everyone is happy.”
“Everyone? What of those that would think that only Lucius' child should sit on the throne. They might believe you were forced to give up the throne and see me as a villain king.” He stood from his sit and walked over to the fireplace that was not lit. “Civil war is surely upon us, if Lesatan is executed for these crimes.”
Lenore was smart enough to know that he was trying to lead the conversation somewhere, and sighed. “What do you suggest, Damek?” She merely wanted him to get to the point so that she could continue her work.
Turning around to face her, there was a small grin on his lips. “Both sides would get exactly what they wanted if we were to wed.”
“Except those on your side do not want a bastard on the throne, and therefore would be furious that I was there either way.” Lenore shrugged her shoulders. “So, it appears that the only solution for them is that I not take the throne at all.”
“I am certain they could see reason in a compromise such as this one.” Damek stood with his arms crossed as he waited for her response.
Licking her bottom lip, Lenore tried to decide why he brought this up now and what exactly he wanted out of this arrangement. However, she had no time to worry much about him and decided she would deal with him in the future.
“If Lesatan is found guilty, then we will revisit this decision. Agreed?”
He bowed his head, “Agreed. I will leave you to your work then.”
Lenore watched as he made his way out the room and smiled at her before closing the door. A shiver ran down her back before she return to the task at hand.
Headmaster Beroris stood in his black garbs with his hands folded in front of him. His white beard hid his lips but there was an obvious frown upon his face. “Correspondence was found in the mail rooms that strongly suggest that you had the wine poisoned before delivery. To this particular group, there are many such letters that had been sent to them over the past year. I am sorry, Lesatan, but the evidence suggests that you are responsible for your father's murder.”
In the study, Damek stood beside the Headmaster along with several other Mondue guards. His cousin shouldn't have been there but had instead pushed his way in, even though most wanted him to remain in bed.
“I sent no such letters. I have never worked with any organization that would plot the murder of anyone least of all my own father.” Lesatan snapped back.
“He should be sent to Arthes immediately for trial.” Damek barked before the Headmaster could reply to the Prince.
Headmaster Beroris turned his eyes to Damek, “The murdered occurred on Apisarn's grounds, and therefore is a matter for the students to handle.”
“This is the death of a King not just some student!” Damek fired back.
“That is irrelevant, Damek. Apisarn is its own country within a country. We follow student laws and rules here, and we have our own investigative and judicial means. After attending for eight years, I would expect you to be fully aware of our systems.” The Headmaster turned his attention back to Lesatan. “I am afraid you will be taken to the jail cells at the professor's dorms for the remainder of the investigation and trial. I will ensure that you receive nice accommodations.”
Lesatan's heart felt as if it had melted. “Will Lenore oversee my trial since she is the highest ranking member of the school after me?”
Headmaster Beroris nodded his head. “Those are the rules of the school. I will summon her to my study as soon as we finish here.”
“Lenore cannot be an impartial judge!” Damek yelled. “There should be someone else appointed. She...”
“Lenore is the only other living member of the Royal Family, minus the Queen, of course. However, the Queen does not attend this school anymore and as I recall neither do you, Damek. So, it is quite curious that you insert yourself where you know fully well you do not belong.” Headmaster Beroris was becoming frustrated with him. “I understand that you are upset over your Uncle's death, but that does not mean you get to rewrite the laws of the land to your liking. Are we clear?”
Damek lowered his head, “Yes.”
“Then please, excuse yourself, this instant.” He pointed toward the door behind a Mondue guard who was watching over it.
Lesatan watched as his cousin left the room. “I do not see my mother approving of Lenore's position in this trial either.”
Headmaster Beroris chuckled though he seemed to remember their circumstances and return to a more somber state immediately. “I highly doubt your sister would take so placid a position in your trial, Lesatan. She has never been one to sit about and wait for answers to be brought to her, so have no fear.”
Lesatan couldn't believe that the Headmaster had read his mind and knew he wanted his sister in a more active role. “Will you suggest it to her then? If she does take the role of judge?”
He slowly nodded his head, “Whether you are guilty or innocent, Lesatan, you will receive a fair trial. In that, you can trust.”
---***---
Lenore had been informed by Krius that morning of her brother's arrest, and she was immediately asked to visit the Headmaster's study. There had been little time for her to ask any questions over how the arrest had come about, but Krius had walked with her so as to give her as much information as possible about the situation. Once they reach the professor's dorms, he left her to enter alone.
The inside was similar to the Royal Dorms with dark woods and velvet blood red fabric. Lenore had never been inside before and found it very interesting though most of the other students would never know that it mimicked her dorm.
The door for the Headmaster's study was clearly labeled and she knocked once before she was told to come in. Upon opening the door, she could smell a strong scent of mint that was no doubt from the tea. The room looked much like the hallway with red fabrics and a dark wood desk. The lay out of the room was similar to her own study with a fireplace and a desk facing toward the center of the room.
“Lenore, please sit.” Headmaster Beroris stood by the large windows, but the windowsills were filled with books and loose pages. In fact, most of the room was covered in such items even his desk. There were no book shelves just an entire library stacked from the ground up.
Sitting down, Lenore waited as the Headmaster flipped through a book and slowly made his way over to his desk. Upon sitting down, he placed the book in front of him and looked at the Princess. “I am certain you have been informed of your brother's predicament.”
“Yes, I understand there were letters that seem to suggest that my brother was speaking to an organization that specializes in assassinations?” Lenore crossed her arms and swallowed as she thought to herself that this could not be true.
The old man nodded his head, “The Serpent's Circle or the Brotherhood as they prefer to be called by those outside their religious standing. They have long been known to wish to dethrone your father, and they had worked closely with the Romanus family to help destroy your father's own spy network. They were very successful.”
“I see. They are very powerful organization then.” Lenore sighed. “It will be no small task to prove my brother's innocence.”
“Which is why I summoned you here. As the highest ranking member of the Royal Family, you would be the judge at your brother's trial.” Headmaster Beroris explained. “In truth, it would be a better position for your brother if you couldn't save him from seeming guilty, you could at the very least banish him from the country and save him from death.”
Lenore nodded her head, “However, that would mean I could not play a direct role in proving his innocence. I am afraid I must decline as I could not be impartial at trial and that might cause a greater rift between me and those that would gladly go to civil war if I were to take the throne.”
“I see, then what do you suggest?” He grabbed the book from in front of him and opened it as he listened to her speak.
“I ask instead that I be made my brother's advocate during the trial and be given examiner rights. I want to see all the evidence and speak to those involved.” Lenore watched as the man looked inside of his book for a brief moment.
“The advocate right is something I can easily do, and I am certain it would not take much to grant you examiner rights. However, I have already gained you investigator rights as well as acquired six badges for you to use to create deputies. However, if you would prefer to only examine...”
“No, investigator is fine.” Lenore waved her hands in front of her face.
“Good.” He took a piece of paper out of his book. “Go to the main guard station and give this to them. They will give you everything you need.”
Taking the piece of paper, Lenore stood up. “Who will take the role of judge?”
“I shall find someone impartial, you should stay clear from that decision. We do not want others thinking you influenced me.”
She nodded, “I wonder if my father told you about what I was attempting to do here. I mean the mission he sent me on?”
Headmaster Beroris chuckled, “Attempting? From what I understand you have accomplished. Use it well in this trial, Lenore.”
---***---
Jolon and Anton went down to the stream to wash some of their clothing. The dorm had been filled with the sounds of young girls crying over the King's death, though none of them had known him.
Ophelia, Harona, and Saena were camping in the latter's room as they discussed whether Ophelia will be called to the Royal Dorms during the investigation. While Santh seemed lost in his own thoughts and Remus had locked himself away as the King had been somewhat of an uncle to him. The only person unaccounted for was Routine, he had disappeared that morning.
The dorms were a place of sorrow for everyone except the two commoners who did not know how to feel about current events. They felt separated from everyone emotionally and therefore decided to separate themselves physically.
Kneeling in front of the stream, both men were washing their white button up shirts. They were silent for some time as they could hear some sobbing coming from the dorm still.
“I wonder how Lenore is?” Jolon finally asked but in truth did not expect any sort of answer as he continued to wash his shirt. He ringed it out before looking at it and dunked it back into the water to run his bar of soap over it again.
Anton sighed softly, “I am still very angry with her, but I would never had wished this type of tragedy upon her. She may have used us all, but she still did right by us at times.”
“I still think she is the one that paid for your third year tuition.” Jolon stood and threw his shirt over a tree limb to dry before getting started on his pants.
His friend was quiet for a moment, “After what she said I can not believe that, but everyone here says they did not pay it. I can not think of anyone else that would have the means, but I never told her that I wanted to stay four years. I don't think so anyway. So, how would she have known?”
Jolon shrugged his shoulders, “She's a powerful person... still I wouldn't know how she would have gotten the information. I suppose I don't know why she would help at all. Maybe Ophelia is right and the day was all an act.”
“It is nice to believe that she was real to us all before that day, and that we were not just used for her amusement. However, it has been too long without a word from her. I have forgotten what her voice sounds like and I do not remember what it was like to wake up with her at the dorm.” Anton frowned deeply. “In truth, I have hardly thought about her at all until today.”
“Remus brings her up a great deal. I think he was deeply hurt by her words, and the fact that he continues to be angry with her proves she has not spoken any words of remorse to him.” Jolon stopped washing his pants and sat back on his bottom. “Of all the people in this dorm, you would think Remus would be one that she would want to fix a destroyed relationship with.”
“Because they were close or because of his connections to the Fox?” Anton asked as he mimicked Jolon and sat back, giving up on his laundry.
“Because he will be the leader of the Merchant's Guild one day. He is a very powerful man and the Merchant's Guild could make quite a bit of trouble for the Royals.” Sitting forward he began to wash his pants once more.
Anton thought quietly for a brief moment. “Routine is powerful as well.”
“Indeed, but Routine does not seem bothered by her actions. His sister is married to the Prince after all, so it is probably best for him to not cause waves.”
Nodding his head, he began to clean his clothes again. “Sometimes, I am thankful that I am just a commoner who doesn't have to worry about politics.”
Jolon smirked, “I am hoping that truth won't last my entire life.”
---***---
Routine had been allowed into the dorms to visit with his sister. Ever since he had heard of the King's death the day before, he had worried about her. He feared that because she was a newcomer to the family that fingers might be pointed at her first; if not by the family than by the population who were bloodthirsty.
As he walked into her study, Piera was sitting in a big stuffed chair by the fire. She stood when he entered the room and he could tell she wanted to run over to him and hug him. Of course, this was a difficult situation as he was not one that was easily hugged. In fact, he could already hear himself asking her to release him. When she did not move towards him, Routine walked over to her and placed his arms around her shoulders briefly.
“They arrested Lesatan.” She suddenly spoke as she laid her head on his shoulder. “They say that he killed his father.” She could feel her brother swallow before he released her.
Looking into her eyes, Routine could see that she was desperately trying not to cry. “What proof could they have had?”
“I was told there was a letter and proof of other letters being sent to some organization or another that wanted the King dead.” Piera slowly sat back down in her chair and locked her eyes on the crackling fire before her. It was a warm day but she wanted to stare at the fire as it calmed her.
Routine stood silently as anything he thought to say sounded like overused platitudes. He decided it was best to remain silent in his sister's sadness then try to alleviate her pain. Reaching out his placed his hand on her shoulder and waited with her.
“There is more.” She continued to stare at the fire. “I am pregnant with the next heir to the throne. If Lesatan did not kill his father then someone is trying to make it appear that way, which I fear means I could be in danger.”
“Have you informed Lenore?” He kneeled down beside her and placed his hands on the arm rest of the chair.
She slowly shook her head. “My fear for my own safety makes me suspicious of everyone. What if the Queen is right? What if Lenore planned all this? After all, she is the only one that stands to gain from her father and brother's death.”
“Lenore is... my greatest friend. I trust her in all endeavors. I trust her with my life, and I would trust her with yours.”
Piera turned her attention to her brother's eyes. “Do you really believe in her so much? Should I inform her? What if she tries to have me killed? What if she poisons my drink and kills my child without my ever knowing it?” She stood up. “No, you must be the one to help me escape. I can not trust anyone but you.”
“In these times, I have little power over matters. Escorting you to our home would look as if I was abducting the Princess. That alone would cause who ever is behind this to raise suspicions, as you do not belong in that home any longer.” He watched her shake her head.
“No, what if...”
“It would also put our family in a dangerous position if anyone discovers you are pregnant there.” He stood up after staring up at her for so long. Once standing, he placed his hands on her shoulders. “No, if Lesatan has been betrayed than Lenore is the only one that can safely send you away. She can make it look more as if you are being sent away over stress.”
Piera looked troubled as she tried to fight between her brother's words and her own fear for the safety of herself and her child.
“You must inform Lenore, Piera. She will concoct a plan to remove you from all eyes and ears that might belong to this person or organization behind this act.” He squeezed her shoulders before releasing them and let his hands drop to his side.
Piera took a deep breath. “Very well, if you trust her than I shall as well.”
---***---
Damek walked to his study with fast but heavy steps. Opening the door, he slammed it behind himself before cursing internally as he didn't want anyone passing by to hear him. Once he was finished, he stood up straight and adjusted his clothing.
“Ahem.” A voice from next to the fireplace called for his attention and he found Marius standing there.
“Did you not tell me that a King's murder trial would not be held at the school?” Damek tried his best to keep his voice down as he hurried over to stand as close to Marius as he could. “If I had known that his drinking it here would have caused all this trouble; I would have convinced him to drink the wine in Arthes.”
Marius looked confused but was also scared as he feared the man in front of him. “I... I am not following...”
“The Headmaster demands that the trial be held here. Lenore will reside over the proceedings. Do you have any idea what that means for us?” He stared at the would be professor before answering for him. “It means that despite overwhelming evidence Lenore will not kill her brother, will she? No, she might exile him at best. Which means that he will be out in the world as a constant threat that might return one day to take the throne back.”
“Or he might never return, and all will be well.” Marius' words were soft almost as if he did not wish to speak them at all.
“Do you understand the extra planning that I must now do? I have to convince Lenore that her brother is a vicious monster that deserves execution. Do you understand how impossible that is?” Damek was speaking through his teeth and clutching his hands. His fingernails pressed firmly against his palm to cause pain, but he did not break the skin.
Marius was terrified of all the questions that were being asked of him as he did not know if they were rhetorical or not. “Perhaps, I could complain that she is too close to the defendant and that no one would believe this would be a fair trial.”
Damek stepped back and began to chuckle, as he chewed on his thumb nail briefly. “Yes, wonderful idea, Marius.”
The would be professor grinned but it was short lived as he watched Damek's face change emotions within a blink of the eye.
Punching the wall, Marius began to talk but kept his voice low so as to not be overheard. To Marius it was a horrifying combination of whispering and screaming that he could not comprehend. “Let's tell the world that the person we wish to be sitting on the throne is not fit to hold court!”
“Right, you are correct.” Marius nodded his head nervously.
Taking a deep breath, Damek seemed to calm himself. “I will have to adjust the plan that is all we can do.”
Marius agreed as he followed Damek over to the desk. They both sat down in their respected chairs and were quiet for some time, before Marius decided he had to ask a question that had been nagging at him. “I... I have a question.” He waited for Damek to look up at him. “That night, the King wanted to share his wine with Lesatan. If Lesatan had drank it, he would have died as well, but you already sent so many letters to make it obvious that Lesatan was behind this. He would have obviously been a victim that you were attempting to take the fall.”
Damek grinned, “I had two others in mind. Krius since he is the one that sent the letters, and it would have simply been unfortunate that Lesatan drank the poison as well. Our contact in the mail room would have simply done as I said and showed that Krius delivered the letters. Why kill the King? Because he wants to marry Lenore and become King himself. Everyone is aware of Krius' feelings toward Lenore.”
“I see, and the other.” Marius waited for baited breath as he had a feeling that he knew who the second man would be.
“You.” Damek said clearly. “You delivered those letters. You signed Krius' name. Why would you kill the King and Prince? You are part of the resistance after all, and I could easily prove that.”
Swallowing, Marius stood from his chair. “It was as I expected.”
“We must all sacrifice to ensure Lenore sits on the throne, Marius. Some of us will have to give our lives. I would have expected you to die for this cause, as you are well aware. I brought poison into my body to see it done.”
He bowed his head, “Yes, of course.”
---***---
Piera knocked gently on the bedroom door. She hoped deep down that Lenore would not be in her room and that she would have to wait to speak to her on the matter at hand. However, the door opened and Lenore looked at her before stepping aside. She didn't seem to need Piera to give her any reason for her visit.
Closing the door behind her, Lenore walked over to the bench at the end of her bed and looked up at her. “How are you? This must be very difficult considering.”
“Considering what?” Her heart began to beat as if it could no longer be contained, as she asked herself whether Lenore already knew she was pregnant. She hadn't even told Lesatan yet, so how could she know unless Ophelia was a traitor after all.
“Considering you were just married.” Lenore cocked her head to the side. “You look distressed, Piera.”
“Of course, I am distressed. My husband is being jailed for the murder of his own father! Who would not be distressed!” Piera tossed her hands on the air and walked over to the vanity before she checked her face and hair.
“I have spoken to the Headmaster and I will become Lesatan's advocate. I have also been given investigative rights with the ability to create deputies under me.” Lenore stood up and walked over to the other woman before putting her hand on her shoulder.
Piera stood straight and stared at the woman before her.
“Do not fret. I will not allow my brother to be executed for that which he did not do. My brother loved my father and had no reason to kill him. I will bring whoever did this to justice. I swear it.” Lenore squeezed her shoulder before letting it go.
“You will?” Piera could barely contain her own breath as she felt a wave of relief come over her. “You give me your word?”
“I give my word.” Lenore tried to grin slightly.
“I thought you would rule over the trial, but you are the advocate instead?” Piera was beginning to feel ridiculous and she knew that Lenore had no idea why.
“As if I would sit idly by and let those who are either in league with the monster that did this or those that are simply incompetent defend my brother.” Lenore snorted.
“I'm pregnant.” Piera quickly spoke the words before she gave herself another chance to believe that Lenore might be behind this.
Lenore went very quiet as the two looked into eachother's eyes. “Any other time, this would be wonderful news, forgive me for not celebrating.”
“I... I understand. I fear that whoever is behind this might want to harm me or my child if I stay here. I will begin to show before the trial ever begins.” Piera sat down on the small stool in front of the vanity.
“You were right to come to me.” Lenore thought for a moment. “I know those loyal enough to sneak you away, and hide you until the right time comes. I need to think of a reason that is not suspicious for your leaving the university at this time, however. Go to your room and pack only what you need to survive. Understand?”
“Yes.” Piera stood up.
“Stay in your room, and I will send them to you in the morning so you can have a whole day of travel.” Lenore walked over to her door and opened it. “Go.”
---***---
It did not take long for word to spread of the arrest of the Prince in his father's murder. Though most everyone was to stay within their dorms except for meals; gossip could only be slowed but never stopped. No one seemed surprised that Lesatan would be capable of killing the good King, and that only proved how he had played his role in the world thus far.
Santh could not be bothered with the details of the murder; instead his mind turned to Lenore. He wondered what she was doing in that dorm as he knew she would not sit idly by on her hands. He thought perhaps she was glad that it had been her brother and she could take the throne, but that thought was quickly tossed from his mind.
Sitting on the steps in front of the dorm's front door, he leaned against his knees and pondered. He schemed of ways he could see her even if only to ease his own anxiety of knowing that he never could. He would give anything in that moment to be at her side even if he could say nothing to her at all.
The door behind him opened, and Harona stepped out. She shut the door as Santh stood up so she could use the stairs.
“I saw you sitting out here all alone. Are you feeling well?” Harona asked with concern in her voice.
Santh cleared his throat, “I fear that I am sick, but with worry.” He didn't know why he told her such a thing as he would normally keep his feelings to himself, but they were overflowing and he needed someone else to catch them in a bucket for him.
“I worry as well. If Lesatan is found guilty then there will be civil war. Not many would want the bastard child on the throne, but others would want the Cromwell bloodline to remain. I have been praying throughout the day that Lesatan is found innocent.” She swallowed.
“My concern is more for Lenore and her well being.” He informed her as he walked over to the door and leaned against the wall next to it.
She nodded her head, “I thought as much, but I did not wish to presume. I think of Piera often. I want to see my friend, but she is so far from my reach no matter how close we are physically. Luckily, Ophelia can come and go from the Royal Dorm. She is the only person keeping my heart from falling to pieces.”
Santh remained quiet though he did nod slightly as he didn't know any more that he could say. All of his feelings had been laid clear as much as he was able.
“You realize that if her brother is sentenced to death that she will have no more room for you in her life.” Harona didn't mean to make it sound as harsh as she did and she flinched when she realized what she had just said.
He said nothing and simply stared at her.
“The Royals would not accept you as their king or even a prince consort. They tolerate a Mondue queen, but a king would be an insult they could not accept.” Harona didn't know why she continued talking, it was as if the words simply poured from her lips without permission.
Santh smirked before he chuckled, “I never really thought I could marry Lenore, even if I took my father's lands and titles. I do not belong in that world. I belong in the dirt and the muck with the rest of my brethren. Lenore... our relationship was always just a fantasy that we wanted to live out, even if the feelings were real.”
Harona reached out her hand and placed it gently on his shoulder. “We lie to ourselves sometimes to protect our own hearts from decay, but when you speak those lies to others you force yourself to believe its true because now others do. So, be careful of what you say for someone else might believe you and force you to believe yourself as well.”
With that she smiled and squeezed his shoulder, before dropping her hand and opening the door so she could enter the dorm.
Santh stood quietly outside and swallowed as he thought over her words.
---***---
Xyles stood next to his son, Krius, as the two stood stoically in front of Lenore's desk. She was seated and had asked them to sit but they both preferred to stand. Taking a deep breath, she looked between the two Mondue briefly.
Her father's adviser and friend looked worn by the events over the last couple of days. She had known him for some time and there was no doubt in her mind that he blamed himself for her father's death.
“I have called you two into my study because a La Croix has always protected the heir Cromwell since the days of the old King when he created an allegiance with the Mondues. Your family's lineage and loyalty is undeniable, but I am afraid it will be tested.” Lenore explained before she stood from her desk and leaned on it with her hands. “Are you prepared to summon your ancestors for strength once again for the sake of the Cromwell bloodline?”
Xyles was always ready but he feared that Lenore might ask him to swear loyalty to her. He did not believe she was capable of her father's murder but this conversation made him nervous. “Of course, milady. Anything for you.”
Krius parroted the same words.
“This is not for me. It is for Lesatan and my bloodline.” Walking around the desk she stood in front of both men. “Piera is pregnant.”
Neither man showed any emotion, but both knew the weight of what that statement meant. Though, they both still wondered why she had summoned them.
“If I am right, then my brother is being accused of a crime he did not commit. Considering there has been no indication that I am involved, either they want me on the throne or they have not set into motion the plans to destroy me.” Lenore sat on her desk. “Piera's child is an unknown. Something these people did not consider. I need her removed from the school with a reasonable excuse to abandon her husband and a reasonable place she might go. However, she will not be escorted there, and instead Xyles you will take her into hiding. She must never be seen while pregnant and she must be protected. The Cromwell heir is within her.”
Xyles nodded his head though his heart was filled with relief and pride that Lenore was not the monster that the Queen had so long said she was. He had forgotten to trust in his friend and believe that Lenore was not a selfish monster but instead of loving daughter and sister. “I will do as Varden did for you all those years ago, and give my home and my life to protect her.”
“Just don't abandon Piera and keep the baby.” Lenore half joked but in her heart she was serious about that command.
“Yes, milady. The mother and child shall remain together for as long as they are under my protection.” He bowed his head.
“Good, you will leave first thing in the morning. I have thought that the reason could be that she is distressed over current events and that you suggested she go to the summer estate in Fusicha. People are always willing to believe that Royalty especially Princesses are prone to fainting and stress.” Lenore looked between them to see if they agreed.
“It might also help if we say that she is sickened by the mockery of this trial at the University, and does not wish to be a part of it.” Krius suggested.
“Hmm, it is a good idea but I would fear that it would take the trial away from the University, which I desperately need it to occur here.” She explained.
“The Headmaster would never allow it and it would give a better excuse.” Xyles agreed with his son.
“So be it, then. Anything else we should discuss?” Lenore waited for a brief moment.
“I should leave with my father.” Krius looked to Xyles.
Shaking his head, Xyles explained. “It would look too suspicious if we both left with her. However, as Lenore has said a member of our household has always protected the Cromwell since the first king. If Lesatan is found guilty, Lenore will be the next Queen and will be no doubt crowned immediately. Of course, this could mean civil war, therefore she must be protected at all costs. Understand?”
Krius nodded his head. “She will not leave my sight, father.”
---***---
Aletta placed a perfumed handkerchief over her nose as she walked down the stone stairs that lead to the cells under the Professors' Dorms. It smells of mold and excrement even though the area was hardly ever used except for the occasional out of control student.
A guard stood at the end of the stairway and motioned down the long hall to which cell her son was in. He grabbed the chair that he had been using and took it to the cell so she could sit while speaking to Lesatan.
In the cell, a nice bed, some rugs, and some books had been added in order to offer the young Prince comfort in this time. When he saw his mother, he stood from the fur covered bed and laid the book he had been reading on it before walking over to his mother.
Aletta put his hand through the bars to touch him.
“Your grace, you can not touch the prisoners. Headmaster's direct order.” The guard at the end of the hall told her.
Pulling her hand out, she looked to her son. “I can not believe I am seeing my son in such a pit. This putrid place... I...” A tear fell down her cheek.
“It is not all bad, Mother. The guards have been kind and they bring me food regularly. They even chat with me from time to time when they are not too busy.” He was trying to cheer her up as best he knew how.
Sitting down in the chair, Aletta wiped her tears away and kept her handkerchief close to her nose. “I knew she would make her move eventually. I just had no idea that she would be willing to kill her own father.”
“I do not believe this is Lenore's doing, Mother.” He did not feel like having this conversation with his mother in this state, but he knew she had already begun and would never stop.
The Queen snorted, “I initially thought the same, but Lenore is the only one who stands to gain from all of this. Lenore will be queen if you are tried and sentenced, and then what would she have done with me? There is only one person who was capable of doing what has been done, and that is her. Of that, I have no doubt.”
“Lenore is acting as my advocate instead of the judge of the trial. She is trying to prove my innocence.” He leaned his chest against the bars.
Aletta immediately stood, “No! That can not be allowed! She will sabotage you! She has placed herself in a position of even greater power!”
Lesatan remained calm. “Lenore would never harm our father. Their bond and love was stable and she would never act against him.”
“You can not know. She may have simply acted that way in order to grow close to him!” Aletta grabbed the bars. “She can not be your advocate, Lesatan. Tell me you will deny her!”
He swallowed as he knew she would not be prepared for what he would say next. “I asked for her to be so, Mother.”
Aletta fell silent before dropping back into her chairs. “You have doomed us both, son. We will both suffer under her.”
“Mother, you have to trust in the system. It was created to insure the innocence do not suffer, and I know Lenore will accomplish whatever she puts her mind to.”
Looking up from the floor, she stared into his eyes. “That is what I fear.”
He nodded his head, “Therefore whether she is responsible for what has happened or not, she will win in the end. Whatever she wants, she will gain, but I know what she wants.” He continued to look at his Mother before speaking. “She wants a family. She wants us to care for her. That is all she has ever wanted. Of this, I am certain.”
---***---
Lenore sat in her study as she reread the cryptic message that the Mondue's had found in the mail room. The note seemed to be thanking someone for services rendered, and was marked in the mail room the day her father died. She did not think her brother left the dorms, and she knew that Krius had not left as he was working with the Mondue investigators. Krius was always the one that delivered her brother's letters.
She jerked slightly when a loud knock occurred at the door, and watched as it opened and in stepped Damek. He bowed his had briefly and watched as Lenore offered the sit in front of her desk with a wave of her hand.
He closed the door behind him and made his way over to the chair before speaking with his hands folded together. “I apologize for this visit under these circumstances.” He began.
Lenore nodded her head, “I am merely going over the evidence they have found. Have you heard that I will be his advocate?”
“Yes, a noble decision. If he is found to be guilty, the other Royals will have to believe that you did all that you could to save him.” Damek leaned forward in his chair.
“That is not the reason...” She cut herself off as she decided there was no use in having this conversation. “What do I owe this visit?”
“As you well know, there are many in this kingdom that would not appreciate a bastard on the throne and would look to me or my father as the proper heir.” He sat back and was about to continue when she interrupted.
“I think it is premature to look to who will sit on the throne when the day comes. My brother has not been found guilty as of yet.” Lenore was getting annoyed with his visit already.
Damek chuckled, “It is never too early to discuss these matters, especially when I am aware that those same people are planning and amassing. If Lesatan is found guilty which looks likely, they might attack before you are even able to give your first order. I worry about this, of course, but there must be a way to appease both sides before any blood is spilled.”
“Appease both sides?” Lenore could not believe she was actually having this conversation. She needed to concentrate on her brother, and not worry about who will sit on the throne. “I'll just allow you to have it. Everyone is happy.”
“Everyone? What of those that would think that only Lucius' child should sit on the throne. They might believe you were forced to give up the throne and see me as a villain king.” He stood from his sit and walked over to the fireplace that was not lit. “Civil war is surely upon us, if Lesatan is executed for these crimes.”
Lenore was smart enough to know that he was trying to lead the conversation somewhere, and sighed. “What do you suggest, Damek?” She merely wanted him to get to the point so that she could continue her work.
Turning around to face her, there was a small grin on his lips. “Both sides would get exactly what they wanted if we were to wed.”
“Except those on your side do not want a bastard on the throne, and therefore would be furious that I was there either way.” Lenore shrugged her shoulders. “So, it appears that the only solution for them is that I not take the throne at all.”
“I am certain they could see reason in a compromise such as this one.” Damek stood with his arms crossed as he waited for her response.
Licking her bottom lip, Lenore tried to decide why he brought this up now and what exactly he wanted out of this arrangement. However, she had no time to worry much about him and decided she would deal with him in the future.
“If Lesatan is found guilty, then we will revisit this decision. Agreed?”
He bowed his head, “Agreed. I will leave you to your work then.”
Lenore watched as he made his way out the room and smiled at her before closing the door. A shiver ran down her back before she return to the task at hand.