Silver watched the procession as it reached the dais. Behind the soldiers surrounding the king, the crowd filled in the space like water filling a bowl.
Most of them were feeling a mix of confusion and anticipation. The show of strength by the king was uncommon.
There were already many extra guards stationed around the throne room. Why did His Majesty need a dozen more?
The soldier walking in comradery with Borit was also very fascinating to the court. Borit was handsome for his age, but the other man had a domineering presence which demanded attention. And his crimson dress uniform was the same color as the king's.
The people whispered to one another. "Is the man an emissary from Lakyle? Has he come to wed the princess?"
'Not exactly. And over my dead body.' The Guardian scoffed as he eavesdropped.
Silver squatted between the ceiling and the rafters as he looked on the scene. He contemplated trying to signal Ethyn again. It would be good to let him know the plan.
But after Nuall had interfered before, the Guardian was halfway sure that the pompous man had spotted at least something amiss near the ceiling.
Silver couldn't risk being exposed too soon.
Ethyn worked just as well when improvising as he did with a plan. Hopefully he would pick up on things quickly. If not, Silver at least believed the young man wouldn't get in the way.
Silver's muscles tensed when he thought about what he needed to do.
'Patience.' He relaxed his body. 'Just a little more time. If I can make it until after Haven gets the horn sounded, that would be even better...'
The Guardian was already adjusting his plan with his sister now in the mix. If he needed to stall to buy her time, he would.
For now, he would watch.
On the dais, Rhodri turned his back to the crowd to compose himself. He glared at Kaarel, who smiled blandly in return.
"You have their undivided attention, Your Majesty." Kaarel dipped his head.
Rhodri squared his shoulders. "You have played games long enough. You said my daughter would be here."
"Did I?" The General's mouth parted in mock shock.
"I must see Rose now." Rhodri balled his fists. "I will not go any further until I do."
"Very well," the General motioned to the back of the throne room. There in the back among the servants, a mass of soldiers parted to reveal a figure bound with a bag over her head.
She was wearing Rose's favorite pink gown.
"Don't hurt her." The king's whole demeanor changed. For the first time, he looked truly defeated.
"That depends on you. Shall we begin?" Kaarel smiled brightly.
The mumblings in the room were low but steady. While none of the nobility had seen the revelation of the prisoner, many of the servants had. A wave of worry crept through them. They too recognized the dress, and the implication of her being held by soldiers was unsettling.
Only one lone maid came away from the wall to comfort the others. "It is not the princess," she cooed. "It is a trick. Do not be caught off guard with what happens next. Don't lose your heads. Be ready."
The maid's words spread through the group at the back of the hall. Some of the men and women looked ready to fight while others were gripped with fear. Caitlyn wondered if she had made the right choice in giving the warning.
If there was any chance at a resistance to save the king, the people around her, who were used to hard work, would be good allies.
At the front of the room, The king walked between the two ceremonial guards and sat on his throne. The moment he was in his seat, the room fell silent.
Rhodri cleared his throat and threw one last glance at Kaarel. The general was still standing casually by Borit, making it look like the two were the best of friends.
"My dear subjects," Rhodri choked on the words.
The people of Birle were very dear to him. They were his to lead and protect. And he had done a very poor job of that today. The king lowered his eyes to continue the provided speech.
"I have come to a decision. My time ruling Birle has come to an end. Rather than have my country fight for a new ruler, as many of you seem keen to do, I have turned over my authority to another ruling monarch." The king's words struck the nobility like a bolt of lightning.
For many of them did have eyes on the throne either for themselves or their children through marriage with the princess. Passing the throne to another monarch suddenly put all their hard work to waste.
And possibly their lineages as well! What would this mean for their titles?!
Oblivious to the nobles' inner turmoil, Rhodri half-heartedly spat out the speech of surrender. "From this moment onward, King Willric will rule both Lakyle and Birle. I have already signed a transfer of power. This is my last act as king."
The hall burst into questions. Rhodri pressed his lips together and sat stiffly in his chair. He had said all he would say on the matter.
Any more and he might risk the safety of the woman in the back of the room. He only hoped Rose would not hate him for his traitorous actions.
Kaarel quieted the room by borrowing the butt of a ceremonial spear. "I am General Kaarel. On behalf of my king, I welcome you in union with Lakyle. I am only glad His Majesty was well enough to make this announcement himself. Rest assured that King Willric will tend to your former Monarch with all the care of a brother as his health declines."
People remembered the king's frequent headaches, including one bad enough to cancel court the day before. "The king is dying!" Whispers rippled through the crowd.
'Of course he is.' Kaarel wanted to laugh but managed to maintain his forlorn expression. 'He is about to come down with a terrible case of death by poisoning. Or stabbing! So many good choices here.'
The General also had to think about how to get rid of the Commander. He couldn't kill them both the same way or that would be suspicious. Unless he spaced things out a bit. He could probably hold the Commander compliant for a little bit before ending him. Or maybe he would send the Commander to Lakyle under the guise of a diplomatic mission and let Willric decide his fate.
One thing was for sure. The king would die today. They would announce his passing within the week, but by then Birle would be irrevocably attached to Lakyle. Assuming the next part of the plan went smoothly.
'Come on, palace brat. You are up.' Kaarel shot Nuall an impatient glance.
Nuall strode forward gallantly, and bowed before the throne. He spoke clearly for all to hear. "My king. If this is your desire, I shall serve Lakyle as bravely as I have served you. I pledge my loyalty to Lakyle." Nuall rose and turned to the crowd. "To Laklye!" he cheered.
A few others echoed his cry loudly. Most of them seemed to be the soldiers along the walls.
Slowly but surely, the praise for Lakyle grew.
That is, until one voice boomed over the congregation, silencing them all.
"TRAITOR!"