31. Princess Sue's chambers were concealed by large golden double doors with lovely designs on them. The guards outside bowed when Adrian approached. "The princess sent for me." Adrian said. "Yes, we were told you would come to see her majesty." One of the guards responded as they let him through. Her chambers were quite big, with a large living space for leisure and another leading further in. Not seeing the princess in the ante-room, he went further in. "Princess Sue?" He asked, going in. The curtains had been drawn and the air smelled faintly of rose oil. The princess stood near the window, and even in a simple dress, she was glowing. Her hair was loose now, falling over her shoulders. She turned to look at him. "Adrian, you're here." He bowed his head slightly. "Your highness." She chuckled, moving closer to him. "You don't have to call me that when we're alone. We're friends." He stayed near the door. "You asked for me." "I am not safe here, a

33. "You have to calm down first. I can’t have you moving around like a mad person. They’ll pick up on your guilt and fear, my father’s dogs.” Ciara nodded, taking in a deep breath. “Okay, I’m calm now. What do you have in mind?” She asked, stilling herself. Henry did not answer her right away. He walked past her slowly, his hands behind his back as his mind went to so many places. “Okay, so no one saw you. That’s what you told me.”. "On my life, I was careful." “Swearing on your life counts for nothing, but let’s take your word for it. You also said that the men are dead." "Yes. They were all drinking outside when I saw them.” “Okay, very good. And the only person who stopped the attack on Princess Sue... was your good-for-nothing ex. Yes, it’s all coming together." Ciara star d at him, wondering what he was talking about. Henry smiled at her. “Do you see what I’m getting at now? Do you see it?" “See what?" “Oh for the love of… did you suddenly

35. It was well already nighttime when Adrian and his team got to Percival’s home. “But he is dead, sir?" Randy asked. "Yes, he is.” Adrian responded. "But if he had loyal men, they would gather somewhere close to him and we should find some clues here." “So the fact that he’s dead means the closest place to him is the place to be.” Bennett nodded. The gates were slightly open when they got there. "That's strange, don’t you think?” Bennett muttered. "Shouldn't it be sealed or at least have some people protecting it?" "It should, yes.” Adrian agreed. He pushed the gate open slowly. It creaked loudly, and Adrian felt an unsettling presence in the air. The courtyard was dark, but some windows were open. And Percival had a running establishment as his homestead, what had happened? "Spread out, but don’t go too far.” Adrian told the men as they went into the house. Upon entering inside, they took a quick look around. The place looked like a regular abandoned ho

37. The guards were not pleased releasing Adrian, but they had no choice. Adrian could see it in their eyes that if it were up to them, the trial would have gone a lot differently. But right now, Adrian had bigger fish to fry. He fell to the ground the moment the chains were gone, unable to feel his limbs. But then he stood up, and then he walked out, now temporarily free. I need to tend to my wounds, he thought, rubbing the raw spots on his wrists. As he walked out, he heard an all-too familiar voice. "Murderer!” He turned to see Ciara glaring at him. “Did you really think you could twist the king's mind with your weakness? Pathetic." Adrian didn't even glance her way. He walked straight past her, ignoring her taunts. She was his enemy now, she had tried to have him executed. But why did she hate him so? Even after he left her to fool around with the prince as much as she wanted? He shook his head. He was having too many thoughts at once. What he needed now was a calm

39. Henry did not stop walking until the court doors were far behind him. His chest was tight and his hands were still shaking. Just one slip up was all it would have taken to ruin his reputation. "Stupid woman!” He cursed under his breath. He pushed open the door to the private lounge bar at the palace and grabbed the first bottle he saw. He didn't even bother with a cup. He drank straight from it. The burn hit his throat and he welcomed it. “Sir, are you…?” The bartender asked but then left immediately Henry shot him a withering glare. "How the hell did it get this messy?" He whispered to himself. He knew it. He shouldn’t have gotten involved with Ciara, but he just couldn’t resist her charms when she came on to him. He took another large swig and then slammed the bottle down on the table so hard that there was a small crack at the bottom. "I should've never touched that dumb bitch." But he knew that was a lie. He had wanted Ciara even before she came on to him.