I looked around. My vision was yet to adjust itself but I saw the royal camp. The lights were artificial, this was night. The emperor and the princes; even Lianne were there. They were atop the audience seats, glaring at me.
So they were all in it?
Araan had a wicked smile on his face, but Lianne and the others didn't. They seemed pained. I could vaguely see tears in her eyes. It didn't take a lot of processing to understand what I'd gotten myself into. They were about to execute me.
"This man was declared a friend of the throne but!" with his emphasis on the word 'but' the announcer continued, "He has betrayed us by slaying the crown prince!"
"What?"
I couldn't believe my ears. The crowd rebelled in severe anguish: they wanted me dead immediately.
The crown prince is dead?
I knew they'd frame me for something like attempted murder of the emperor or something but this was much more extreme. Even I was shocked now.
